The jury of the awards, composed of artistic directors of major art festivals in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and Sweden, wanted to honor Lin for succeeding in creating legendary masterpieces infused with the essence of traditional Chinese culture while retaining a strong sense of modernity that have helped open new cultural horizons for Taiwan.
Taiwan-born Lin Hwai-min founded the Cloud Gate Dance Theatre in 1973. Cloud Gate has a rich repertoire that has roots in Asian myths, folklore and aesthetics, while keeping a contemporary and universal perspective. The troupe is made up of two dozen dancers whose training includes tai-chi, meditation, martial arts, Chinese opera movements, modern dance, ballet and even calligraphy.
Quoting the jury's comment, Cloud Gate's staff said Lin's artistic achievements have positioned him among the world's top choreographers while his modesty and humanitarianism have long earned him high reputation in the international dance community.
The 61-year-old artist will receive the award and 20,000 euros (US$26,000) on the opening night of the second Movimentos Dance Festival to be held in Wolfsburg, Germany, May 12, 2009.
The one-month long Movimentos International Dance Festival is one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the dance and performing arts calendar, thanks to their eclectic and innovative programs.
Held every five years, the International Movimentos Dance Festival and Awards was first launched in 2004 to honor outstanding dancers and choreographers worldwide. Lin is only the second person to win the award, following the late Maurice Bejart (1927-2007), the famous French choreographer.
Lin, who is presently touring with his dance troupe around Germany, said he was surprised by such an honor, never having imagined he would be presented with the award since Europe is known to be the mecca of modern dance and boasts a wealth of talented dance troupes.
ARTE, a Franco-German TV network, sent a crew to Taipei to interview Lin and film the company's autumn performances in October for a program to be broadcast next spring, the company said.
After Germany, Cloud Gate is scheduled to travel to Athens, Greece, which is the last leg of the troupe's international tour.
Write to Eric Chao at clchao@mail.gio.gov.tw