‘The 20th Contemporary Dance Festival: Japan + East Asia’ will illuminate the stage at the Japan Society in New York City on January 10 and 11, 2025. Showcasing cutting-edge works from Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, the festival offers a unique glimpse into the dynamic and diverse world of East Asian contemporary dance.
Representing Taiwan, choreographer I-Ling Liu is a renowned artist who is celebrated for her innovative approach to dance. A former dancer with the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company, Liu has established herself as a prominent figure in contemporary dance through her boundary-pushing choreography.
Her 20-minute duet …and, or… is a striking exploration of human relationships, inspired by the logical constructs of “and” and “or.” The performance examines themes of equality, power dynamics, and collaboration within interpersonal connections through intricate, music-free choreography. Dancers Chun-Yi Lin and Wei-Ting Hung bring Liu’s vision to life with their exceptional physicality and precise and evocative movement. By replacing traditional musical accompaniment with natural body sounds and rhythms, Liu invites audiences to focus on the dancers’ breathing, shifting weight, and subtle interactions, creating a profound and emotionally charged experience.
...and, or... has earned international acclaim, winning the Jury Prize at the 2022 Yokohama Dance Competition and being featured in the 2023 Festival Off d'Avignon. Its innovative approach and emotionally charged choreography have resonated with audiences around the world.
The festival will also feature Where we were born by Japanese choreographer Ruri Mito and her ensemble, Co. Ruri Mito. This piece intricately weaves and unravels complex, dynamic forms. Through these twisting, interconnected movements, the performance explores the body as the fundamental essence of human existence.
From South Korea, choreographer Dae-ho Lee and his ensemble, C.Sense, bring Trivial Perfection to the stage. A dynamic fusion of modern dance, hip-hop, and martial arts, this energetic work challenges conventional notions of dance aesthetics while using the body to create a cohesive whole from seemingly unrelated fragments.
Before each evening’s main performances, audiences arriving by 7:05 PM can enjoy a special solo piece, Matou, choreographed and performed by Ruri Mito in the Japan Society lobby. This globally acclaimed work makes its New York debut and is open to the public.
Since its inception, the Contemporary Dance Festival: Japan + East Asia has been a significant platform for showcasing the region’s contemporary dance scene. The Taipei Cultural Center in New York highlights Taiwan’s long-standing participation in the festival since 2008, underscoring the country’s rich and diverse performing arts landscape. Yoko Shioya, Artistic Director of Japan Society, notes that the festival fosters cultural exchange by providing a unique opportunity for choreographers and dancers from Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea to perform in New York and engage with international audiences.
Event Details:
Contemporary Dance Festival: Japan + East Asia
▲ Dates: January 10 & 11, 2025
7:05PM Matou, 15-minute work choreographed and performed by Ruri Mito at Japan Society’s lobby.
7:30PM The Contemporary Dance Festival at Japan Society.
▲ Venue: Japan Society, 333 East 47th Street, New York, NY 10017
▲ Tickets: Available for purchase on the Japan Society website (https://japansociety.org/events/contemporary-dance-festival-japan-and-east-asia/)