Art beat in January

Silent Advocacy is an exhibition that invites reflection upon the achievements of the First Studio under the Central Academy of Fine Arts' oil-painting department. Founded in 1959 as one the CAFA's earliest studios, the First Studio was founded with a commitment to the disciplines of European art, while other studios emphasized Russian painting traditions. On display are landmark works by the studio's teachers and students, such as Jin Shangyi's Young Woman Singer and Chen Danqing's Tibet Series - Hair-Washing Women.

9:30 am-5:30 pm, Tue-Sun, until Jan 5. CAFA Art Museum, 8 Huajiadinan Jie (Street), Chaoyang district, Beijing. 010-6477-1575.

Dancing queen

Argentine tango queen Mora Godoy and her company will stage a lively and romantic tango show this weekend. The dance is considered a national treasure in Argentina, and is a fascinating mix of passionate emotions. Godoy blends classical ballet and a variety of Latin dances into tango, making her a compelling dancer to watch. A live band will accompany her. Godoy's company made its China debut in 2003 and won rave reviews at the Shanghai International Arts Festival.

8 pm, Jan 4-5, Opera Hall of Guangzhou Opera House, 1 Zhujiangxi Lu (Road), Zhujiang New Town, Guangzhou. 020-3839-2888.

Irish step dance

The National Dance Company of Ireland will stage Rhythm of the Dance, one of the three major productions of Irish step dance (the other two being Riverdance and The Lord of the Dance), at Guangzhou Opera House on Jan 6. The two-hour dance and music extravaganza tells the historical epic of the Celts' fight for independence. The choreography combines Irish step dance with Spanish flamenco, classical ballet and modern dance.

8 pm, Jan 6. Opera Hall of Guangzhou Opera House, 1 Zhujiangxi Lu (Road), Zhujiang New Town, Guangzhou. 020-3839-2888.