Lin Hwai-min, founder and former director of the world-renowned Cloud Gate Dance Theatre, is set to talk about his career Feb. 20 at the Laban Theatre in London during an event spotlighting his long-term contributions to the evolution of Taiwan’s dance and arts scenes.
Organized by Taipei Representative Office in the U.K. in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and London-based Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, “Lin Hwai-Min: In Conversation” will be hosted by The Guardian’s dance writer Judith Mackrell and provide the audience with an insight into the choreographer who led Cloud Gate to the pinnacle of modern dance.
Head of TRO in the U.K.’s cultural division Chen Pin-chuan said Lin’s achievements are widely recognized by the international dance community. The event can pave the way for further cooperation and exchanges such as artists-in-residence and joint projects involving talents from both sides, he added.
A training session is also scheduled Feb. 21 for the conservatoire’s students featuring Lee Ching-chun, Cloud Gate’s associate artistic director, and Su I-ping, a senior member of the ensemble. Attendees will be introduced to some of the group’s unique techniques inspired by Taiwan culture and martial arts.
Cloud Gate was founded in 1973 as the first professional modern dance troupe in the country. Over the decades, it has cultivated a global reputation for innovative works incorporating local cultural elements such as calligraphy, history and Hakka and indigenous music, as well as embarked on international tours across Asia, Europe and North and South America.
The group is scheduled to perform Feb. 26-29 at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London. (YCH-E)
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