DANCE TALK & EXPERIENCE: An Inspiring Journey for the Next Generation
Since its inception, Weiwuying has played a pivotal role in advancing the performing arts in southern Taiwan. The biennial Taiwan Dance Platform serves as an exchange network, providing both emerging and established choreographers and dancers with opportunities for growth and collaboration while fostering connections across local and international stages. In recent years, Weiwuying has partnered with CHANEL to promote creative innovation and cultural sustainability, supporting the development of contemporary dance. This collaboration aims to inspire new creative possibilities and encourage the evolution of artistic expression.
Following a century-long dedication to the arts, CHANEL champions a global, multidisciplinary, and co-creative spirit, fostering a vibrant art environment that promotes robust creative development. Committed to the performing arts, CHANEL has partnered with renowned art organisations worldwide to generate innovative momentum and inspire new cultural ideas.
In 2023, CHANEL collaborated with the Taipei Performing Arts Centre (TPAC) on the Camping Asia project, which promotes the development of performing arts in Asia by nurturing young artists and facilitating cultural exchange. In June 2024, CHANEL and TPAC launched the inaugural Dance Talk, themed: 'A Life Inspiration for the Next Generation.' This event encouraged cross-generational dialogue, broadened perspectives for younger audiences, and explored new possibilities and trends in dance development.
On November 23, CHANEL and Weiwuying are joining forces to present Dance Talk & Experience—a unique event featuring three internationally recognised choreographers: CHOU Shu-yi, CHIEN Chin-ying, and Issue Park. These esteemed artists will host a series of workshops and discussions, delving into the history of the body and exploring the creative intersections of movement and performance with the next generation of dancers. Their discussions will provide an opportunity to reflect on the role of the body in storytelling and the ongoing journey of artistic cultivation.
We invite you to join us for CHANEL and Weiwuying's Dance Talk & Experience, where three masters of their craft will share insights from their journeys in dance. This event aims to inspire meaningful dialogue and foster the continuous growth of contemporary dance for the next generation of talent.
Date
November 23, 2024 (Saturday), 10:00 - 18:00
Venue
Weiwuying Playhouse
TARGET AUDIENCE
- Students of dance and performing arts
Emerging dancers and choreographers
Students learning to create dance pieces
Recent graduates who are dance creators
Those interested in producing performing arts works
Note: Due to the format of the Taiwan Dance Workshop, participation will be limited to a maximum of 40 to 45 invitees.
EVENT SCHEDULE
- 10:00 - 10:30 – Sign in
- 10:30 – 12:00 – CHOU Shu-yi – 'Starting with the Body' | Dance Workshop with CHOU Shu-yi
- 12:00 – 13:00 – Break
- 13:00 – 14:30 – CHIEN Ching-ying & Issue PARK – 'The Body and Momentum in Contemporary Dance and Breaking'
- 14:30 – 14:45 – Break
- 14:45 – 16:15 CHOU Chang-ning – 'Finding Enchantment for Life in Dance'
- 16:15 – 16:30 – Break
- 16:30 – 17:30 – Feedback and Discussion
WORKSHOP CONTENT
CHOU Shu-yi – Starting with the Body｜Dance Workshop with CHOU Shu-yi
Dance creation begins with movement, and exploring the possibilities for dance starts with understanding the body. But what exactly is the body? Do we truly know our own bodies? In this workshop, acclaimed choreographer CHOU Shu-yi illuminates the intricate relationship between the body's 206 bones and our creative potential. How can we reconfigure these sensations and thoughts to develop new movement structures and foster a unique dialogue with life? By posing such questions, CHOU Shu-yi prompts participants to reconsider their perceptions and experiences of the body.
CHIEN Ching-ying & Issue PARK – The Body and Momentum in Contemporary Dance and Breaking
In this workshop, CHIEN Chin-ying and Issue PARK will explore the fusion of contemporary dance's fluidity and the power of breaking's momentum. Together, they will invite participants to investigate how physical coordination and rhythm interact. By encouraging attendees to dissect and deconstruct movement, they will examine the connection between physical coordination and music. Through improvisational exercises, participants will discover their inherent creativity and develop their own movement methodologies.
CHOU Chang-ning – Finding Enrichment for Life in Dance
The path of dance mirrors the challenges we encounter in life: curiosity, perseverance, and growth. CHOU Chang-ning reflects on this journey, likening it to scaling a mountain or diving into the depths of a lake. Discipline is honed through difficulty, and perseverance leads to success and growth. The challenges that arise along the journey of dance present opportunities for self-improvement. The most important lesson is to maintain curiosity and to explore fearlessly. In this workshop, CHOU will share insights from her 26-year career with Cloud Gate Dance Theatre, reflecting on her evolving perspectives on work and life. She will discuss her transition into the next stage of her journey, exploring her worldview from Taiwan and discovering her sense of direction through culture.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
CHOU Shu-yi
 |
Since 2020, CHOU has served as a resident artist at Weiwuying and as curator of the Taiwan Dance Platform. His work channels the unique creative energy of southern Taiwan's body vocabulary, using dance as a medium to engage with the world. Extending beyond performance, he explores the complex relationships between individuals and their social environments. Known for integrating diverse disciplines, CHOU places strong emphasis on making art publicly accessible. During his residency at Weiwuying, he led an initiative that brings art to schools, making dance an accessible and integral part of education.
CHIEN Ching-ying
 |
A graduate of the Taiwan National University of Arts with a degree in dance, CHIEN Chin-ying is a freelance dancer and choreographer currently based in London.
Since 2013, she has been a key member of the renowned Akram Khan Company, performing in multiple productions. Her portrayal of Princess Amba in Until the Lions (2016), inspired by the Indian epic Mahābhārata, earned her the Outstanding Female Modern Performance award at the UK's National Dance Awards.
From 2020 to 2023, CHIEN collaborated with French artist James Thierrée's Compagnie du Hanneton, contributing to the creation and performance of MO's and ROOM. In 2023, she joined Italy's Fritz Company to work on That's All Folks.
In 2018, she choreographed her solo piece, Vulture, which was selected as one of the top 20 works by Aerowaves in 2023, a European platform that scouts and spotlights emerging choreographers. Supported by the Taiwan Dance Platform, Akram Khan Company, the Lo Man-fei Dance Fund, and Taiwan's National Culture and Arts Foundation, Vulture has been performed in England, Taiwan, Ireland, Greece, Slovakia, and Bulgaria. In 2022, CHIEN created the duet The Moon Upon a Stick, supported by The Place and Tripspace. More recently, in 2024, she choreographed the short duet Penrose for the English National Ballet.
Issue PARK
 |
©jeff Spörri
Also known as Kwangsuk PARK and Bboy Issue, Issue PARK has been dancing since his childhood in Suwon, South Korea. His unique style blends breakdance with elements of martial arts, contemporary dance, traditional Korean dance, and street dance, earning him international recognition for his innovative, experimental approach to movement.
Issue's work combines technical mastery with a powerful emotional presence, merging breakdance and contemporary dance to create a distinct artistic expression. This fusion has brought him to stages across Europe and Asia. Recently, he collaborated with Kaori ITO of TJP CDN Strasbourg on a number of projects and performed at notable venues in France, including the Philharmonie de Paris in James Thierrée's Mo's.
Issue has appeared at numerous art festivals and events, both as a solo performer and with groups, including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Birmingham International Dance Festival, and Expo 2015 in Milan. His solo pieces, Awakening, Liv and Misafir, have been performed in Switzerland.
Additionally, Issue co-founded the renowned b-boy crew Morning of Owl, known for its thought-provoking and inspirational performances. Morning of Owl has achieved international acclaim, winning numerous competitions and establishing itself as one of the most innovative and respected street dance groups globally.
CHOU Chang-ning
 |
©Terry Lin
Currently a freelance dancer and lecturer, CHOU Chang-ning is celebrated as a national treasure in the world of dance. She began her dance journey at the age of three and graduated from the dance department of the National Taipei University of the Arts in 1993, immediately joining the prestigious Cloud Gate Dance Theatre.
Over her 26-year tenure at Cloud Gate, CHOU took on numerous major roles and served as a rehearsal director. Her most notable performances include roles in LIN Hwai-min’s celebrated works, such as the White Serpent in Tale of the White Serpent, Eight Principles of Yong, and solo performances in both Cursive and Moon Water.
With over 1,600 performances internationally, CHOU has graced some of the world's most prestigious stages, including New York's Next Wave Festival, Sadler's Wells Theatre in London, the Lyon Biennale Internationale de la Danse, Berlin's Transart Festival, the OSTRALE Biennale in Germany, the Chekhov International Theatre in Russia, the Kennedy Centre, the Sydney 2000 Olympics Art Festival, the Singapore International Festival of Arts, the Shanghai Arts Festival, and Tokyo.
In 2013, her solos from Moon Water and Cursive were featured at UNESCO's International Dance Day, the American Dance Festival, and the Prague Quadrennial's 25th anniversary. Sharing the stage with some of the greatest talents in the global scene, CHOU's performances have garnered widespread acclaim.
EVENT ORGANISERS
 |
 |
About CHANEL Arts & Culture
The CHANEL Culture Fund fosters a vibrant network of creators and innovators to advance the ideas that shape culture worldwide. Core programmes include CHANELs Art Partners, institutions whose leaders are supported in the development of ground-breaking, long-term initiatives that bring innovation to the cultural landscape. The CHANEL Next Prize celebrates artists and accelerates their future successes through access to resources and mentorship. And the podcast CHANEL Connects amplifies the voices of thought-leaders across disciplines, generations, and geographies—tackling the defining issues of our time.
From emerging curators at the MCA Chicago to leading ecologists at the Leeum Museum of Art in Seoul, from game-changing artists at the Venice Biennale to the brightest directors at the British Film Institute, the CHANEL Culture Fund champions creative audacity for a better future and extends a century of commitment to the arts.
DANCE TALK & EXPERIENCE: An Inspiring Journey for the Next Generation
Since its inception, Weiwuying has played a pivotal role in advancing the performing arts in southern Taiwan. The biennial Taiwan Dance Platform serves as an exchange network, providing both emerging and established choreographers and dancers with opportunities for growth and collaboration while fostering connections across local and international stages. In recent years, Weiwuying has partnered with CHANEL to promote creative innovation and cultural sustainability, supporting the development of contemporary dance. This collaboration aims to inspire new creative possibilities and encourage the evolution of artistic expression.
Following a century-long dedication to the arts, CHANEL champions a global, multidisciplinary, and co-creative spirit, fostering a vibrant art environment that promotes robust creative development. Committed to the performing arts, CHANEL has partnered with renowned art organisations worldwide to generate innovative momentum and inspire new cultural ideas.
In 2023, CHANEL collaborated with the Taipei Performing Arts Centre (TPAC) on the Camping Asia project, which promotes the development of performing arts in Asia by nurturing young artists and facilitating cultural exchange. In June 2024, CHANEL and TPAC launched the inaugural Dance Talk, themed: 'A Life Inspiration for the Next Generation.' This event encouraged cross-generational dialogue, broadened perspectives for younger audiences, and explored new possibilities and trends in dance development.
On November 23, CHANEL and Weiwuying are joining forces to present Dance Talk & Experience—a unique event featuring three internationally recognised choreographers: CHOU Shu-yi, CHIEN Chin-ying, and Issue Park. These esteemed artists will host a series of workshops and discussions, delving into the history of the body and exploring the creative intersections of movement and performance with the next generation of dancers. Their discussions will provide an opportunity to reflect on the role of the body in storytelling and the ongoing journey of artistic cultivation.
We invite you to join us for CHANEL and Weiwuying's Dance Talk & Experience, where three masters of their craft will share insights from their journeys in dance. This event aims to inspire meaningful dialogue and foster the continuous growth of contemporary dance for the next generation of talent.
Date
November 23, 2024 (Saturday), 10:00 - 18:00
Venue
Weiwuying Playhouse
TARGET AUDIENCE
- Students of dance and performing arts
Emerging dancers and choreographers
Students learning to create dance pieces
Recent graduates who are dance creators
Those interested in producing performing arts works
Note: Due to the format of the Taiwan Dance Workshop, participation will be limited to a maximum of 40 to 45 invitees.
EVENT SCHEDULE
- 10:00 - 10:30 – Sign in
- 10:30 – 12:00 – CHOU Shu-yi – 'Starting with the Body' | Dance Workshop with CHOU Shu-yi
- 12:00 – 13:00 – Break
- 13:00 – 14:30 – CHIEN Ching-ying & Issue PARK – 'The Body and Momentum in Contemporary Dance and Breaking'
- 14:30 – 14:45 – Break
- 14:45 – 16:15 CHOU Chang-ning – 'Finding Enchantment for Life in Dance'
- 16:15 – 16:30 – Break
- 16:30 – 17:30 – Feedback and Discussion
WORKSHOP CONTENT
CHOU Shu-yi – Starting with the Body｜Dance Workshop with CHOU Shu-yi
Dance creation begins with movement, and exploring the possibilities for dance starts with understanding the body. But what exactly is the body? Do we truly know our own bodies? In this workshop, acclaimed choreographer CHOU Shu-yi illuminates the intricate relationship between the body's 206 bones and our creative potential. How can we reconfigure these sensations and thoughts to develop new movement structures and foster a unique dialogue with life? By posing such questions, CHOU Shu-yi prompts participants to reconsider their perceptions and experiences of the body.
CHIEN Ching-ying & Issue PARK – The Body and Momentum in Contemporary Dance and Breaking
In this workshop, CHIEN Chin-ying and Issue PARK will explore the fusion of contemporary dance's fluidity and the power of breaking's momentum. Together, they will invite participants to investigate how physical coordination and rhythm interact. By encouraging attendees to dissect and deconstruct movement, they will examine the connection between physical coordination and music. Through improvisational exercises, participants will discover their inherent creativity and develop their own movement methodologies.
CHOU Chang-ning – Finding Enrichment for Life in Dance
The path of dance mirrors the challenges we encounter in life: curiosity, perseverance, and growth. CHOU Chang-ning reflects on this journey, likening it to scaling a mountain or diving into the depths of a lake. Discipline is honed through difficulty, and perseverance leads to success and growth. The challenges that arise along the journey of dance present opportunities for self-improvement. The most important lesson is to maintain curiosity and to explore fearlessly. In this workshop, CHOU will share insights from her 26-year career with Cloud Gate Dance Theatre, reflecting on her evolving perspectives on work and life. She will discuss her transition into the next stage of her journey, exploring her worldview from Taiwan and discovering her sense of direction through culture.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
CHOU Shu-yi
|
Since 2020, CHOU has served as a resident artist at Weiwuying and as curator of the Taiwan Dance Platform. His work channels the unique creative energy of southern Taiwan's body vocabulary, using dance as a medium to engage with the world. Extending beyond performance, he explores the complex relationships between individuals and their social environments. Known for integrating diverse disciplines, CHOU places strong emphasis on making art publicly accessible. During his residency at Weiwuying, he led an initiative that brings art to schools, making dance an accessible and integral part of education.
CHIEN Ching-ying
|
A graduate of the Taiwan National University of Arts with a degree in dance, CHIEN Chin-ying is a freelance dancer and choreographer currently based in London.
Since 2013, she has been a key member of the renowned Akram Khan Company, performing in multiple productions. Her portrayal of Princess Amba in Until the Lions (2016), inspired by the Indian epic Mahābhārata, earned her the Outstanding Female Modern Performance award at the UK's National Dance Awards.
From 2020 to 2023, CHIEN collaborated with French artist James Thierrée's Compagnie du Hanneton, contributing to the creation and performance of MO's and ROOM. In 2023, she joined Italy's Fritz Company to work on That's All Folks.
In 2018, she choreographed her solo piece, Vulture, which was selected as one of the top 20 works by Aerowaves in 2023, a European platform that scouts and spotlights emerging choreographers. Supported by the Taiwan Dance Platform, Akram Khan Company, the Lo Man-fei Dance Fund, and Taiwan's National Culture and Arts Foundation, Vulture has been performed in England, Taiwan, Ireland, Greece, Slovakia, and Bulgaria. In 2022, CHIEN created the duet The Moon Upon a Stick, supported by The Place and Tripspace. More recently, in 2024, she choreographed the short duet Penrose for the English National Ballet.
Issue PARK
|
©jeff Spörri
Also known as Kwangsuk PARK and Bboy Issue, Issue PARK has been dancing since his childhood in Suwon, South Korea. His unique style blends breakdance with elements of martial arts, contemporary dance, traditional Korean dance, and street dance, earning him international recognition for his innovative, experimental approach to movement.
Issue's work combines technical mastery with a powerful emotional presence, merging breakdance and contemporary dance to create a distinct artistic expression. This fusion has brought him to stages across Europe and Asia. Recently, he collaborated with Kaori ITO of TJP CDN Strasbourg on a number of projects and performed at notable venues in France, including the Philharmonie de Paris in James Thierrée's Mo's.
Issue has appeared at numerous art festivals and events, both as a solo performer and with groups, including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Birmingham International Dance Festival, and Expo 2015 in Milan. His solo pieces, Awakening, Liv and Misafir, have been performed in Switzerland.
Additionally, Issue co-founded the renowned b-boy crew Morning of Owl, known for its thought-provoking and inspirational performances. Morning of Owl has achieved international acclaim, winning numerous competitions and establishing itself as one of the most innovative and respected street dance groups globally.
CHOU Chang-ning
|
©Terry Lin
Currently a freelance dancer and lecturer, CHOU Chang-ning is celebrated as a national treasure in the world of dance. She began her dance journey at the age of three and graduated from the dance department of the National Taipei University of the Arts in 1993, immediately joining the prestigious Cloud Gate Dance Theatre.
Over her 26-year tenure at Cloud Gate, CHOU took on numerous major roles and served as a rehearsal director. Her most notable performances include roles in LIN Hwai-min’s celebrated works, such as the White Serpent in Tale of the White Serpent, Eight Principles of Yong, and solo performances in both Cursive and Moon Water.
With over 1,600 performances internationally, CHOU has graced some of the world's most prestigious stages, including New York's Next Wave Festival, Sadler's Wells Theatre in London, the Lyon Biennale Internationale de la Danse, Berlin's Transart Festival, the OSTRALE Biennale in Germany, the Chekhov International Theatre in Russia, the Kennedy Centre, the Sydney 2000 Olympics Art Festival, the Singapore International Festival of Arts, the Shanghai Arts Festival, and Tokyo.
In 2013, her solos from Moon Water and Cursive were featured at UNESCO's International Dance Day, the American Dance Festival, and the Prague Quadrennial's 25th anniversary. Sharing the stage with some of the greatest talents in the global scene, CHOU's performances have garnered widespread acclaim.
EVENT ORGANISERS
|
|
About CHANEL Arts & Culture
The CHANEL Culture Fund fosters a vibrant network of creators and innovators to advance the ideas that shape culture worldwide. Core programmes include CHANELs Art Partners, institutions whose leaders are supported in the development of ground-breaking, long-term initiatives that bring innovation to the cultural landscape. The CHANEL Next Prize celebrates artists and accelerates their future successes through access to resources and mentorship. And the podcast CHANEL Connects amplifies the voices of thought-leaders across disciplines, generations, and geographies—tackling the defining issues of our time.
From emerging curators at the MCA Chicago to leading ecologists at the Leeum Museum of Art in Seoul, from game-changing artists at the Venice Biennale to the brightest directors at the British Film Institute, the CHANEL Culture Fund champions creative audacity for a better future and extends a century of commitment to the arts.
