This was exactly the scenario for Daoyuan Chen, artistic director and founder of N&D Ballet, when he suffered a devastating ankle injury during The Nutcracker three months after joining Boston Ballet in 2012. “I didn’t expect my performance career to end at 22 years old,” says Chen. “I had just left Hamburg Ballet to follow my wife to the United States when I hurt myself. In order to survive, we started our school almost immediately.”

While Chen initially struggled with his unexpectedly early career transition, his perspective shifted quickly after seeing his students perform at their first recital. “It was difficult for me. At first, I didn’t enjoy teaching,” he admits. “But when I saw how happy my students were onstage, the progress they achieved since the beginning of the school year, and how families reacted to all of their hard work—it brought me great happiness.” He had found his calling.

Since then, Chen and his wife have patiently built a training program in Lexington, Massachusetts that includes European, North American, and Vaganova influences. As they’ve grown and flourished, many of their students have won top prizes at regional events for Youth America Grand Prix, and the academy has received Outstanding School awards several years in a row. 

While Chen’s school produces dancers with a strong competitive spirit, he is acutely aware of the cultural differences between his community and his own intense training at the Shanghai Dance Academy. For this reason, he offers a balanced perspective on training everybody in his community, regardless of whether they choose to compete or not.

“Most of my kids don’t spend as much time in the studio as I did when I was training. Outside of ballet, they have academics and other activities like music or sports, which I find enriches their experience both inside and outside the studio. I try to use my knowledge and experience to push them. But I also understand they have other obligations, so we meet them where they are to achieve their personal goals.”

Since pivoting to teach the next generation of dancers, he has infused his joy into his methodology, classroom, and school. Cultivating a space for pre-professional and recreational-track students that holds high standards alongside a caring approach has really paid off. In the past several months, Chen has procured a second location, in Wellesley, Massachusetts, to ensure his ever-expanding program has sufficient space to meet the needs of every dancer who walks through his doors.

On reciprocity through teaching: “Once our school started competing, I was inspired to see my students really pushing to challenge themselves. I push my students to succeed and, in return, they push me to be a better teacher. It’s a great combination!”

On success: “When I see somebody who can educate any level of dancer and who maintains their passion through the repetition of teaching day to day and year to year, I see them as successful.”

Advice for educators: “Don’t go too hard on yourself. I try to take everything on but often end up exhausted. Making time for yourself and your family is also important.”

Favorite genre of music for class: “Christmas music. I found a ballet album with a piano version of ‘Last Christmas.’ Everybody loves it!”

On private lessons: “I don’t recommend private lessons for beginner dancers. They learn best in groups. But as students advance, private lessons are very helpful.”     

Training different tracks: “Before we began competing, we only focused on school performances. Once we started attending competitions, I noticed our noncompeting students were losing confidence. So we focus fully on technique and school performances in class and rehearse for competition separately.”

Legacy wishes: “When my students become parents, I hope they encourage their children to learn ballet. If that happens, then I will be very proud and pleased.”