Since 2020, many cultural events have been canceled or rescheduled due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the facilitation of Taiwan Cultural Center in Paris, Taiwan's contemporary dance company B.DANCE (丞舞製作) will return to the international stage with 22 performances in four European countries from Feb. 22 through Apr. 14.
B.DANCE will be presenting three of their works from different periods in France, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Germany. Their performances include "Floating Flowers (浮花)," "Rage (怒)" and "Timeless (撫)." Among these works, "Floating Flowers" and "Rage" were previously selected for the Avignon Festival in 2016 and 2019 respectively, and performed at France's National Dance Center, receiving positive reviews and attention from media and professionals.
"Floating Flowers" is inspired by a traditional Taiwanese religious celebration that takes place during the Ghost Festival. Floating lanterns placed on the water are meant to worship deities, to send away bad luck, and bring happiness. In Southeast Asian culture, the lanterns are to deliver wishes and pay your respects to the deceased. "Rage" is inspired by the eponymous crime novel by the Japanese writer Yoshida Shuichi and the film directed by Lee Sang-il. Beyond an apparent serenity, this creation exposes the violence and anger of our society. By exploring the depths of the human soul, B.DANCE artistic director Tsai Po-cheng (蔡博丞) reflects on the ability to face and adopt current societal tribulations. Through beauty and fluidity, the bodies convey a narrative of desolation and loneliness.
Since its establishment in 2014, B.DANCE has presented performances domestically and internationally. Led by artistic director and Taiwanese choreographer Tsai Po-cheng, he has created performances for a variety of recognized international dance companies.