Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan to Premiere "Formosa" March 2 and 3

News Office Staff / Feb 22, 2018

"Formosa," performed by Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan. Photo: LIU Chen-hsiang

The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago will present the Chicago premiere of Formosa, the new work by Asia’s leading contemporary dance company, Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan, March 2 and 3 at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph St., Chicago. The presentation is supported by Alphawood Foundation Chicago.

Formosa marks the fourth collaboration between Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan and the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, and features choreography from Artistic Director/Choreographer Lin Hwai-min and music by award-winning indigenous singer Sangpuy. Formosa, which derives its name from the exclamation (“beautiful!”) uttered by Portuguese sailors upon first seeing the verdant coast of Taiwan, takes the homeland as inspiration for a work of abstract beauty born from land and lore, and blends elements of traditional Taiwanese myths, folklore, and aesthetics with contemporary Western dance practice in creating a playground of love and life, mediated by tragedy, hope, and rebirth.

“Chicago has a well-deserved reputation as a center for contemporary dance,” said Jim McDonough, executive director of Alphawood Foundation Chicago. “We have been proud to support Cloud Gate’s previous Chicago appearances, and we are thrilled to partner with the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago to present them here again.”

The March 2 premiere will feature a pre-performance talk with Lin Hwai-min and Ashley Wheater, Artistic Director of The Joffrey Ballet, and the March 3 show will feature a pre-performance talk with Mr. Lin and Bonnie Brooks, director of Third Way Projects.

As part of Cloud Gate’s engagement with the college, company members will teach a master class for advanced dance students at Columbia. Additionally, Cloud Gate artist Ms. KO Wan-Chun will lead a master class on Feb. 27 at the Joffrey Tower in partnership with the Joffrey Academy. The event is free and open to the Columbia community.

Single tickets are $22–65, $15 for students with ID at the door. Subscribers to three or more performances during the Dance Center’s season and groups of 10 or more receive a 25% discount. Tickets are available at 312-369-8330 and colum.edu/dancecenterpresents. The theater is accessible to people with disabilities. All programming is subject to change.

Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan
Friday, March 2 and Saturday, March 3
7:30 p.m.
Harris Theater for Music and Dance
205 E. Randolph St.

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