Taiwanese Dance Takes Center Stage: Wanhua Festival Propels Choreographers to Global Fame

The Want to Dance Festival in Taipei sparks international interest, showcasing Taiwan's vibrant dance scene.

Taipei, April 17 - The Want to Dance Festival, recently held in Taipei's Wanhua District, has proven to be a significant springboard for Taiwanese choreographers, launching them onto the international stage. The festival, according to the Shinehouse Theatre, has resulted in invitations to perform at prestigious venues and festivals worldwide, providing a platform to showcase the unique character of Taiwanese dance.

Wang Po-nien (王柏年)'s contemporary piece, "Mountain Ghost," captivated the attention of Bernard Baumgarten, artistic director of TROIS C-L, a leading contemporary dance organization in Luxembourg, and Miriam Engel, general and artistic director of the Jerusalem International Solo Dance Festival. Both invited Wang to present his work at their respective institutions, the theater announced in a statement.

Shih Min-wen (施旻雯), who performed "Mouth Fur" at this year's festival, received an invitation from Benjamin Tardif, a representative for Fang Mae Khong International Dance Festival, to showcase the piece in Laos.

Huang Shi-hao (黃仕豪), who presented "Raven" at the Wanhua event, was invited by Dominique Martin Panichi, responsible for international relations at Teatro Comunale Città di Vicenza, to bring the performance to the renowned Italian venue.

Keng Yi-wei (耿一偉), curation consultant for the Want to Dance Festival, emphasized the vital importance of dance, particularly in times of global uncertainty. He highlighted dance's ancient roots, pre-dating language, and its unifying power.

"When people dance together, no matter where they're from, they are one. Dancers gathered in one place are like tiny candles of our epoch. Although they might not shine brightly enough to expel the darkness, they offer us the courage and strength to get us through the dark times," Keng remarked.

Hosted by Shinehouse Theatre, the Want to Dance Festival unfolded from April 11-13, embracing the theme of "diversity." The festival showcased 75 shows, featuring over 150 dance professionals from 40 local and international teams.

Submissions for the next edition of the Want to Dance Festival will commence in November.