"Phoenix", a contemporary dance epic choreographed by Aly Rose in 2006, created something of a sensation in Chinese dance. The production was invited to perform at the 2006 Dashanzi International Art Festival where it seemed to steal the show. It even caught the attention of New York University which invited Rose to introduce a Chinese dance curriculum.

Rose, proficient in spoken Chinese, says dance is part of her life.

Aly Rose, said, "What I've learnt is Miao ethnic dance, Yangge in Northeast China, and Anhui folk dance. I learned what the locals learned. I had been studying choreography for three and a half years. I think Chinese dance is something inside me. it's part of my life."

Thanks to Rose's efforts, the dance courses attract students from around the world.

Laura Smith, said, "I wanna work for a modern dance company."

Art needs no language. Culture knows no boundaries. Various forms of art serve as perfect platforms, bridging between different cultures - promoting mutual understanding.

(CCTV.com February 28, 2008)