The Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company, an acclaimed international touring organization founded by the visionary Chinese American choreographer Nai-Ni Chen, has announced an exciting performance scheduled for June 8th at the Seattle International Dance Festival.
Under the leadership of Artistic Director Greta Campo and Executive Director Andy Chiang, the company will showcase two remarkable pieces: the Shadow Force duet and Way of five fire.
Shadow Force, a poignant dance work, illustrates the vital need for human connection and the universal longing for love, a theme that resonates profoundly, especially in the wake of the pandemic during which it was created.
Meanwhile, Way of five fire represents Nai-Ni Chen’s exploration of the ancient Chinese philosophy that observes the cycles of creation and destruction mirrored in nature.
In this piece, the concept of the “Five” refers to the elemental forces of wood, water, fire, metal, and earth. Each element not only coexists in harmony with one another but also has the power to conflict, reflecting the complexity of life and nature.
The Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company stands out in the realm of the performing arts, as it is a premier Asian American, woman-led professional touring organization.
The company’s mission is to provide innovative cultural experiences that capture the spirit of the immigrant journey.
Founded on the belief that crossing cultural boundaries offers a wealth of inspiration for artistic expression, the company aims to shed light on the struggles, triumphs, and diverse experiences of immigrants.
Each performance produced by the company seeks to enhance visibility on critical issues like identity, authenticity, and equality.
The company’s touring initiatives are managed by Red Shell Management, led by Edward Schoelwer, further extending their outreach and impact.
The choreography is a collaborative endeavor, developed with dancers from various backgrounds, fostering an immersive and boundary-crossing creative process.
The repertory encompasses Nai-Ni Chen’s original works, melding the elegance of Asian arts with the dynamic essence of American dance.
Additionally, the company honors traditional Chinese festive dances through works choreographed by guest immigrant artists, preserving their cultural heritage.
Since its inception in the early 1990s, the company has expanded its touring footprint from the East Coast to international stages, becoming a beacon of cultural exchange.
With a multicultural ensemble, the company has engaged in collaborations across diverse artistic disciplines, partnering with musicians from genres like New Music, jazz, and classical.
Renowned collaborators have included Joan La Barbara, The Chinese Music Ensemble of NY, Jason Kao Hwang, and more recently, the Ahn Trio, along with various award-winning designers and visual artists such as Myung Hee Cho and Karen Young.
These partnerships have allowed the company to create innovative productions that embody the timeless essence of traditional artistry.
The reach of the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company extends beyond domestic performances, having showcased their works at international festivals in countries like Mexico, Canada, Germany, and China.
Supported by notable organizations such as the Fund for Mutual Understanding and the State Department of the United States, the company has been recognized for its artistic contributions.
Nai-Ni Chen has received numerous accolades, including multiple Choreographer’s Fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, and has been commissioned by prestigious institutions such as the Joyce Theater Foundation and Lincoln Center Institute.
As the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company prepares for its Seattle engagement, audiences can anticipate a profound artistic experience that blends cultural narratives and artistic innovation.
image source from：https://www.broadwayworld.com/seattle/article/Nai-Ni-Chen-Dance-Company-to-Join-Seattle-International-Dance-Festival-20250605
