The WorldSkills Competition, known as the "Olympics of Skills," will be held in Shanghai in 2026!
At the closing ceremony of the 47th WorldSkills Competition held recently in Lyon, France, Shanghai, as the host city of the next competition, presented an 11-minute performance themed "Skills Create a Better Future," showcasing a spectacular "Shanghai Segment."
The performance was centered around the transformation of "paper" and the imagery of an "invitation," integrating various stage performance forms such as singing, dancing, visual arts, and installation art. While extending an invitation to the world to "meet in Shanghai in 2026," it also showcased the strength of national craftsmen, the richness of traditional culture, and the spirit of the city of Shanghai, blending international style, Chinese elements, and Shanghai charm. The artistic expression of the teachers and students from the Shanghai Theatre Academy became a highlight of the closing ceremony.
In 2019, the Shanghai Theatre Academy participated in the closing ceremony of the 46th WorldSkills Competition in Kazan and successfully completed the performance task. This time, the delegation from the Shanghai Theatre Academy, led by Xu Yong, Deputy Party Secretary and Vice President of the university, once again represented Shanghai on the international stage, carrying a glorious mission and significant responsibility. Under the guidance of teachers such as Zhang Suqin, Vice Dean of the College of Dance, and Man Renming, Deputy Leader of the Stage Art Team of the Affiliated Chinese Opera School, the team, composed of actors from the Shanghai Youth Dance Troupe and outstanding students from the College of Dance and the Affiliated Chinese Opera School, began rehearsals in early August. After more than a month of meticulous preparation, overcoming challenges such as high temperatures, they achieved a perfect performance.
During the closing ceremony performance, the teachers and students from the Dance Academy of the Shanghai Theatre Academy used body language to showcase the beauty of skills and culture. Their movements were full of power and grace, not only demonstrating the exquisite craftsmanship of millennia-old techniques but also perfectly blending the profound Chinese culture with the spirit of the city of Shanghai. Two students from the Affiliated Chinese Opera School presented exquisite Chinese opera skills to the audience, showcasing the deep heritage and unique charm of Chinese art. The "Shanghai Segment" featuring the "Shanghai Theatre Academy Moment" ignited the atmosphere on-site, earning cheers and thunderous applause from the audience.
The international first-class professional standards, meticulous professional attitude, and pursuit of excellence demonstrated by the teachers and students of the Shanghai Theatre Academy in this performance received high praise and recognition from leaders of the Shanghai municipality, the competition’s organizing committee, the directors’ team of Dragon TV, and international friends.
As the 48th WorldSkills Competition approaches, the Shanghai Theatre Academy will also contribute more brilliance to this city, jointly welcoming the moment when "skills create a better future”.
