Cloud Gate Dance Theatre Residency Recap
Cloud Gate Dance Theatre performing 13 TONGUES, choreographed by Cheng Tsung-lung. Photo by Liu Chen-hsiang.
Thirteen can be a lucky number! After a 13-year absence, the world-renowned Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan returned to Ann Arbor this past month to kick off their 2024 North American tour. The contemporary dance company presented 13 TONGUES, a work created by company artistic director Cheng Tsung-lung, which transforms his childhood memories of Taipei into a dreamlike fantasy world accompanied by Taiwanese folk song, Taoist chant, and electronica.
In addition to their two stunning performances at the Power Center, Cloud Gate connected with students and curious dancers in the community. They presented a masterclass to dance majors at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance and a free You Can Dance! workshop at the Riverside Arts Center.
Cloud Gate’s time in Ann Arbor was enhanced through a partnership with the Michigan Taiwanese American Organization (MITAI), which is dedicated to promoting cultural exchange between Michigan residents and Taiwanese Americans in Michigan. MITAI had a busy week as well, accompanying the artists throughout their time in Ann Arbor, providing meals and receptions for the artists, and hosting their own community engagement event to discuss the connections between 13 TONGUES and Taiwanese culture.
Take a look back at this terrific week!
From Hearts to Horizons
Sunday, October 20
MITAI prepared for the company’s arrival by partnering with the Ann Arbor District Library for 13 Tongues and 13 Taiwanese Tales, a series of presentations about the diverse and vibrant culture of Taiwan. Through food, healthcare, industry, arts, religion, and more, MITAI introduced the audience to elements at the heart of both Taiwanese society and Cloud Gate’s performance. Watch the full presentation on YouTube.
Welcome Back to Ann Arbor
Wednesday, October 23
Cloud Gate Dance Theatre first performed at the Power Center in 1979, and their most recent appearance was in 2011, when they presented Water Stains on the Wall. Since then, choreographer and founder Lin Hwai-min handed the reins of the company to current artistic director Cheng Tsung-lung, who, along with the company, arrived in Michigan early Wednesday morning (despite travel delays!)
MITAI President Theresa Yang 楊逸鴻 (right) and board member Tzywen Gong 龔姿文 (left) welcome Cloud Gate Dance Theatre artistic director Cheng Tsung-lung 鄭宗龍 (center) at the airport.
Masterclass
Thursday, October 24
Cloud Gate dancers Hsu Chih-hen and Huang Po-kai led a class for a group of 60 U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance students. The pair put the full group through warm ups and somatic exercises before teaching some of the choreography found in the weekend’s performances.
Cloud Gate member Hsu Chih-hen leading the class through warm ups.
Good Friends and Good Food
Friday, October 25
MITAI hosted a dinner with Cloud Gate artists at China Palace in Ypsilanti. After lots of hard work and travels, everyone had a wonderful time getting to know each other, sharing stories and celebrating community the night before opening!
Members of the Michigan Taiwanese American Organization and Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan
You Can Dance!
Saturday, October 26
Students weren’t the only ones who got to learn and move! Hsu and Huang also led UMS’s first You Can Dance! workshop of the season for the community-at-large. Thirty dancers of all ages and experience levels learned body awareness and contemporary vocal and movement basics before getting their own try at some of the choreography in 13 TONGUES.
Cloud Gate dancer Huang Po-kai modeling a fragment of the show’s choreography for the You Can Dance! participants.
The Hand Bell Sounds
Saturday, October 26 & Sunday, October 27
Beginning and ending with the sound of a single hand bell, 13 TONGUES captivated audiences in two performances. The brilliant colors of costumes and projections, the musicality of voices and electronica, and the sharp movements of the ensemble left audiences with impressions of spirituality, humanity, and journey.
Cloud Gate Dance Theatre performing 13 TONGUES, choreographed by Cheng Tsung-lung. Photo by Liu Chen-hsiang.
The title refers to a legendary 1960s street artist and storyteller known as “Thirteen Tongues,” who could conjure up all the characters of Bangka/Wanhua, Taipei’s oldest district, in the most vivid, dramatic, and fluently imaginative narratives. Choreographer Cheng Tsung-lung first heard about “Thirteen Tongues” when he was a child, through stories shared by his mother. Hear Cheng speak more about his inspiration and creation:
Bravo!
As the projection of the koi fish darted its way off of the curtain into the darkness, audiences leaped to their feet, recognizing both the artists and the choreographer for their illustrious work with several minutes of applause and bows.
Our Sincerest Appreciation
Every staff member at UMS played a significant role behind the scenes in bringing this residency to life. We especially thank our Programming, Production, and Learning & Engagement teams for their tireless dedication over the past months.
UMS has been supported by passionate university, individual, and corporate sponsors who were essential in supporting this residency at the University of Michigan. We thank all of our sponsors for their incredible generosity and commitment to our mission of connecting audiences and artists in uncommon and engaging experiences.
In particular, a special thank you to the Michigan Taiwanese American Organization for their partnership in presenting these wonderful artists.
Presenting Sponsor
Tim and Sally Petersen
Funded in Part by
Harry A. and Margaret D. Towsley Foundation
Media Partner
