Lin Hwai-min
Founder and Artistic Director of Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan,
Lin Hwai-min studied Chinese opera movement in his native Taiwan,
modern dance in New York, and classical court dance in Japan and
Korea. He founded the company in 1973.
One of the most renowned
choreographers in Asia, Lin often blends traditional theatre
elements with Western dance techniques for his choreography,
creating an arresting style that prompted The New York Times
to acclaim"Lin Hwai-min has succeeded brilliantly in fusing
dance techniques and theatrical concepts from the East and West."
For his artistic achievements,
Lin was named one of the Ten Outstanding Young Persons in the
World in 1983 by Jaycees International, and received a Lifetime
Achievement Award from the Department of Culture of New York
City in 1996, an Honorary Award of Fellowship by the Hong Kong
Academy of Performing Arts in 1997, the Ramon Magsaysay Award
("the Nobel Prize of Asia") and an Honorary Doctorate from National
Chung Cheng University of Taiwan in 1999. Furthermore, he was
selected as the "Choreographer of the 20th Century"
by dance Europe magazine, nominated for the "Best Director
Award" by Nyon Biannual Festival, and was chosen to be one of
the "Personalities of the Year" along with Merce Cunningham,
Jirí Kylián, Pina Bausch and William Forsythe, by Ballet International
magazine in 2000.
An acclaimed writer,
his novel Cicada is an all-time best seller in Taiwan,
and several of his works have been translated into English and
published in the United States. He holds an MFA from the Writer's
Workshop, University of Iowa.
Lin founded the department
of dance at Taiwan's National Institute of the Arts in 1983
and served as its chairman for five years. In 1993 and 1994,
he was the founding dean of the Institute's graduate dance program.
Lin Hwai-min made his debut as an
opera director when Rashomon received its world premiere
in 1996 to ravishing acclaims at the Graz Opera, Austria. In
1999 he gave master classes in Cambodia, assisting local dancers
to organize teaching materials of classical dance for children.
Moonwater —
2003 Next Wave Festival
Songs of the Wanderers — 2000 Next Wave Festival
Nine Songs — 1995 Next Wave Festival