Born in China, Mr. Cao trained at the Beijing Dance Academy and the Royal Ballet School, winner of Prix de Lausanne and Varna International Ballet Competition. He was the principal dancer of  Birmingham Royal Ballet and has made guest appearances with companies and festivals around the world. 

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In 2010, Mr. Cao played the role of Li Cunxin in the globally acclaimed film Mao's Last dancer by Oscar-nominated director Bruce Beresford, for which he received an Australian Inside Film Award nomination for Best Actor.

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In 2015, 21 years after winning at Prix de Lausanne, Mr. Cao was invited back to the competition as a jury member. He is also a member of the jury of The Genee 2018 Hong Kong International Ballet Competition. Mr. Cao has been a guest ballet master at Beijing Dance Academy, Shanghai Dance Academy, Royal Ballet School, and National Ballet of China over the years.