The 43rd edition of the New York Battery Dance Festival, a long-standing outdoor dance festival, brings together 30 dance companies from eight countries, including the Taiwan Focus Dance Company, which has been invited to participate for the first time. They will present their unique works "Self-Portrait" and "Crossroads," showcasing the diverse styles of contemporary Taiwanese dance.
Led by Artistic Director Wu Yi-Shan, the Focus Dance Company consists of eight young dancers: Chou Tzu-Yu, Wu Rui-Ti, Hsu Ya-Hsin, Chien Tzu-Hsun, Ou Pin-Yu, Kao Sheng-Ting, Lee Chia-Cheng, and Yeh Cheng-Rong. They performed "Self-Portrait" on August 11th and 13th, a work by Taiwanese choreographer Hung Tsai-Hsi, in collaboration with music composed by New Jersey composer Joe Fee. The piece is characterized by intense dramatic tension and swift body language, portraying the contrasts between freedom and control, madness and allure, exploring the inner world of contemporary individuals in chaotic times.
This year’s festival features a special segment titled "Voices of Emerging Choreographers," selecting young choreographers aged 15 to 22 from around the world. Taiwan's Focus Dance Company’s Yeh Cheng-Rong stood out with his piece "Crossroads," which delves into the internal struggles and contradictions faced by individuals pursuing distant goals. "Crossroads" previously won the Gold Award at the 2021 La Biennale di Venezia Dance Competition, and its debut on the international stage is a testament to Yeh Cheng-Rong's creative prowess.
Focus Dance Company's "Crossroads." (Image / Courtesy of the Ministry of Culture / Provided by Zhang Jiahao)
In addition to their performances, the Focus Dance Company held a dance workshop on August 14th, led by the company members, exploring the energy of Eastern Tai Chi and elements of contemporary dance. This workshop was not only a deep exchange for dance enthusiasts but also an excellent opportunity to merge the essence of Eastern and Western cultures.
The Battery Dance Festival, held annually in August, attracts over 12,000 live spectators and 35,000 online viewers. This year, the Taipei Cultural Center in New York, under the Ministry of Culture, partnered with the festival for the first time, further promoting international cultural exchange for Taiwan. The event is not only a feast for dance lovers but also a focus of global media attention, with coverage from renowned outlets such as The New York Times, The New Yorker, and TimeOut New York.
