Students from the Wuyi County Vocational Technical School deliver performances. [Photo provided to Tide News]
Performers Bao Chenre from the Taizhou Luantan Troupe and Chen Lili from the Zhejiang Wuju Opera Troupe clinched the recent 32nd China Theater Plum Blossom Awards, adding two more laureates to Zhejiang province and bringing the Wuyi County Vocational Technical School in Jinhua into the spotlight.
Over the past decade, the vocational school has nurtured four Plum Blossom Award winners, all trained under its rigorous yet love-filling system.
"They all have shed tears on the training mats," said 67-year-old opera teacher Xu Wei, who has mentored the four winners with demanding drills — like holding a raised leg steady for three minutes.
Rigorous discipline defines the school's curriculum: Students spend at least 6 hours daily on basics like vocal control and acrobatics for their first three years.
"The teacher asked us to run 400 meters before teaching singing skills and one gesture needed to be repeated 60 times in practice," recalled Bao.
Yet, beyond rigor lies flexibility and warmth. Each student has a customized growth file, allowing those with strengths in stunts to shine even if vocals falter.
"Education must respect the 'slow art' of opera," emphasized Pan Canghong, the school's Party secretary, noting its controlled class size of 30 actors and 15 musicians despite high demand.
Teachers also attach great importance to grassroots performance opportunities. Students hone their skills through shows at festivals and village events, which has helped keep traditional opera alive.
Retired teacher Xu, still mentoring students at the school, embodies the school's familial ethos. "My students fear me in class but stick close to me after class — they even thrust flowers from audiences into my hands after performances."
With graduates bagging over 30 provincial and national awards, the school has become a cradle of stars, reflecting its respect for talent's growth rhythm and each child's passion.
