Cloud Gate's "Spring Riot": A Raw and Powerful Celebration of Dance in Taiwan

Experience the visceral energy of movement as Cloud Gate Dance Theatre presents a breathtaking new program featuring international and Taiwanese choreographers.

Taipei, Taiwan - The iconic Cloud Gate Dance Theatre is set to ignite the stage this June with its highly anticipated "Spring Riot" program. This year's showcase promises a captivating exploration of movement, presenting five diverse works by choreographers hailing from both Taiwan and around the globe. The program aims to reveal "the raw power and depth of movement," according to the renowned dance troupe.

"The choreographers are going back to pure physical movements. We call it 'bare' Spring Riot. It's not a theme. It is plain and straightforward about works created with (dancers and their) body," explained Cloud Gate Artistic Director Cheng Tsung-lung (鄭宗龍) in an early March statement. This year's edition continues the program's tradition of celebrating the artistry of both established and emerging talents. The program was initially launched in 2001 to provide a platform for young choreographers and was revitalized last year to support artists at all career stages.

Cheng Tsung-lung, who debuted in "Spring Riot" back in 2006, emphasized the profound impact the program has had on Cloud Gate, inspiring the company and introducing dancers to innovative techniques. This year sees the collaboration with five exceptional outside artists, further enriching the program's scope.

The featured choreographers include the internationally recognized Hiroaki Umeda from Japan and the Brussels-based LEE\VAKULYA, a collaborative effort between Taiwan's Lee Chen-wei (李貞葳) and Hungarian Vakulya Zoltan. Furthermore, the program highlights the talent within Taiwan with the participation of Baru Madiljin of Tjimur Dance Theatre, Chen Wu-kang (陳武康) of HORSE, and Yang Nai-hsuan (楊乃璇) of Les Petites Choses Production.

Founded in 1973, Cloud Gate Dance Theatre holds the distinction of being the first contemporary dance company in the Chinese-speaking world. The company has garnered international acclaim, gracing stages across the United States, the United Kingdom, and numerous other locations, solidifying Taiwan's position on the global cultural map.

Don't miss the "Spring Riot" performances, scheduled for June 21-22 at the Cloud Gate Dance Theater in Tamsui District, New Taipei. Tickets are available through Opentix.