Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan

Black-clad dancers on the stage's white marley move with rich shades of energy like ink flowing onto rice paper. Cursive, the newest creation of visionary choreographer Lin Hwai-min and his Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan, draws inspiration from masterpieces of Chinese calligraphy. The evening-length work's lyrical undulations and strong martial arts-like punctuations echo strokes being penned. Staged with gigantic calligraphy projections and music by renowned Chinese contemporary composer Qu Xiao-song, this production may well be as memorable as Cloud Gate's meditative Songs of the Wanderers, which rained sheets of golden rice on the Northrop stage in 1998.

About the Company

According to legend, "Cloud Gate" is the name of the oldest known dance in China, a ritual dance of some 5,000 years ago. In 1973 choreographer Lin Hwai-min, one of the most renowned choreographers in Asia, adopted this classical name for his Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan. Cloud Gate's rich repertoire has roots in Asian myths, folklore, and aesthetics, but brings to these age-old beliefs and stories a contemporary and universal perspective. The company's 24 dancers are trained in Tai Chi, meditation, Chinese Opera movement, modern dance, and ballet. Cloud Gate has made dozens of overseas tours throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, North America, and South America.

Critic's Comments

"The company is considered the catalyst for an artistic awakening in Taiwan - if not in the larger Chinese community."
- The Christian Science Monitor

"He (Lin Hwai-min) has created a modern-dance style and company that are unmistakably his own."

- The New York Times

Evening's Program

Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan performs its masterful Cursive, a work resulting from artistic director Lin Hwai-min's long exploration of ancient practices of movement and spirituality. This poetic study merging dance and calligraphy proclaims the sheer joy of movement. Its beauty unfolds with stunning digital projections designed by Lin Keh-hua, painterly lighting by Chang Tsan-tao, costuming by Lin Jing-run, and a minimalist soundscape of drums and strings by Qu Xiao-song.

Performances at Northrop

1998 and 2003