"An artistic career needs constant tempering. One has to work hard to make great achievements. Children in our troupe have a demanding rehearsal schedule. They perform at major international events and also at local community activities. As they also have a heavy load of schoolwork they need to maintain a balance between dancing and classroom study, and above all to persevere in both," Chen Baihua explained. The children were nonetheless firing on all pistons at rehearsals for the Shanghai Expo opening ceremony. Some did their homework during breaks between classes, and others during rehearsal breaks or at 11 pm when rehearsals ended.

In addition to perseverance, the children have also learned to help one another and use initiative, and in the process have developed a strong sense of collectivism. Wherever they rehearse, they make sure they leave their dressing rooms tidy and that desks and chairs are in their proper place. The older children act as monitors in the work of distributing bread and fruits and gathering up costumes.

Yao Jing, executive vice-president of the art troupe, feels that all the children in the troupe have a sense of responsibility and consideration for others. She gave one example when the children were rehearsing the background dance to Nessun Dorma. As the Cultural Center was still under construction, the staircase behind the curtain consisted of little more than exposed steel rods. As more than 40 children had to leave, one by one, from behind the curtain, some of the older children grasped the steel bars to form a protective wall while others helped the younger ones climb the stairs. The care and responsibility they showed moved their teachers to tears.