PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: Li Ziyi (right) and her peers continue their ballet practice during summer vacation (CHEN RAN)

Learning to follow a beat without an instrument in front of them was the focus for pupils during the first three classes. However, six of the eight dropped out because of boredom. Yang was one of the only two that continued learning.

"He found a bruise on his thigh one day caused by tapping out the beats on his legs," Feng recalled. "He loves drumming. His father was working in Beijing so we decided to buy him a real drum and a metronome." Feng was very pleased to see the change in her son. "He looks smarter and is more easy-going since learning percussion. He has more confidence," she noted. "Before, he was a shy boy and was quiet in public. Now he looks great!"

"I want to be the best drummer in the world!" Yang said. "I am grateful to my teacher. I can't learn drumming without him."

Yang's teacher, Zhang Yujin, comes from the Central Conservatory of Music. The 19-year-old is the youngest volunteer teacher in the program.

"I think they have changed a lot. They are more active and energetic after drumming. It helps enhance their sense of music. Their performance is better, and I'm proud of their progress," Zhang said. "I think the program is very meaningful. I took part in it from the very first day. It helps local kids and the whole community learn about music. This is a good thing. I will keep on coming here if it is possible and support the program."

Meng Ziyan, who guides the choir, also comes from the Central Conservatory of Music. The 22-year-old baritone major agrees with Zhang.

"The pupils could not hit any notes at the very beginning. They couldn't even sing a C major scale. Every note they sang sounded the same," he recalled. "Now they can sing some simple songs and do better. They are interested in learning new tunes, too," he continued. "I think the program helps them learn more and expands their world view. I'm willing to help them, though as a student I need to learn a lot more myself. I hope I can pass down what my teachers taught me."

"Since the first ballet class opened, the girls have changed a lot," Li said proudly. "Their skills, looks and temperament are all transforming!" He attributed such changes to joint efforts made by the pupils, their parents and teachers.

Li Ziyi is a sixth grader and has studied folk dancing for two years. Now she is the lead dancer of the class. "For me, ballet changed my life, my ideals, and my temperament," she told Beijing Review. "I dream of performing at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing one day. It is ballet that fuels my dreams."

Li Ziyi's mother, Feng Shuying, 35, thinks her daughter has undergone immense change since starting ballet. "She is more capable than before. The way she walks looks better. Ballet makes her look elegant," Feng Shuying said.

"I can tell that she really loves it. I'm glad I know what she aspires to. Let's see how far she can get. She was born in a better time than we were. We didn't have the chance to learn any arts. She has the chance, and we will support her."

Currently, while there are certain problems in promoting arts education across rural areas such as lack of funds and teachers, Li Feng retains his belief in the power of arts.

"Art provides endless spiritual nutrition to children. A lot of arts activities take place in a group, which develop coordination and team work," he said. "They will have a better perspective to plan their futures."

Email us at: chenran@bjreview.com