Chi Cao

Former Principal, Birmingham Royal Ballet

As a former principal dancer with the Birmingham Royal Ballet, Chi Cao danced with companies around the world. He starred in the film, Mao’s Last Dancer and is a graduate of the RAD’s PTDT programme. He is currently on the board of the Morning Star Foundation, Beijing, and runs his own production company, organising events and performances in China and the UK.

His extensive artistic experience, multi-cultural background, and strong connections to the professional scenes in China and abroad mean that he can advise on artistic matters involving structure, content, format, syllabus criteria, events, competitions and bursaries. He also works with artistic personnel to enhance artistic development.

Chi advises on matters involving appropriate RAD business planning, and development, particularly in territories with a sizable Chinese population, providing updates on trends in professional development. He also contributes to educational matters, such as the appropriateness of programme content, structure and accessibility for former professional dancers and Chinese speakers, as well as cultural preferences, general expectations and perceptions of the brand identity.

As someone recognised and easily identifiable with Chinese dance professionals, his involvement with the board aids the sense of national pride and strengthens the connections between the Chinese membership and the RAD.