The kids are ready to rumble

"I have watched videos of West Side Story many times since I started training to become a musical actress," says another student, 22-year-old Feng Yuhan, who plays the role of Anita. "It seems that he has a 'manual' of West Side Story in his head. He knows every detail of the musical, from the performance to the costumes."

Before McKneely joined Beijing Dance Academy, he worked on some Chinese musicals, which helped him to understand domestic audiences and the Chinese musical landscape. When the opportunity to teach at the dance school arose, he agreed immediately.

"I am very adventurous. I first came to China about 15 years ago and I've seen how the market for musicals is booming. Creating commercial shows is a very specific job, but teaching young students is very different. The school offers me the kind of opportunity that I never had, so I came and hoped to explore what we can do together," says McKneely.

"I can still recall my first class, which was held online. I could see that some students were very shy and they were just shocked how much energy I brought. I jump up, I dance, I scream, and I sing. I am always actively participating in the class," he adds. "I could see them warming up and embracing it. It's a wonderful feeling to see it 'click' with them, especially when they said, 'I never thought that was possible', or 'no one explained to me that way before', and 'I never knew I could do that'."

Zhang Lijun, Party Secretary of the Ballet & Ballroom & Musical Department of Beijing Dance Academy, says, "The fast development of the market for Chinese musicals requires more talent. Many art schools in the country launched musical departments to train actors and actresses, as well as choreographers, directors and scriptwriters."

"By working with McKneely, we propel our educational level of musical to an international standard, which benefits our students," he adds.

Now, McKneely is also working on creating original stories for Chinese musicals by working with his Chinese partners during his breaks from the school schedule. He loves the history of China and wants to create a story based on the past, but which appeals to a contemporary audience.

"Now China is my second home," says McKneely, who spent his last birthday, in September, in class with his students, who bought him cake. "The best birthday gift is to do what I love. I am very excited to experience more of China."