Shen Wei: Top China modern dance group takes time, AS

Mon, Nov 2 10:09 AM

HONG KONG (AP) New York-based choreographer Shen Wei predicts his native China will eventually produce an internationally renowned modern dance troupe but said it will take time. Ethnic Chinese modern dancers like Shen who moved to New York in 1995 and Taiwanese choreographer Lin Hwai-min have gained international fame, but mainland China has not produced a top modern dance group on its own soil.

Promoting his new piece "Re-(I, II, III)," in Hong Kong, Shen said at a news conference Monday that China will catch up eventually and have a world-class modern dance troupe. "I believe there will be one," he said.

"But it won't happen in a day or two or a few years. After all, China is getting off to a late start compared to Western countries.

Time is very important. We have to take things step-by-step.

" Shen said he was reluctant to comment on the current quality of mainland Chinese modern dance because he hasn't kept up to date since he left. While he choreographed parts of the Beijing Olympics' opening ceremony last year, his New York-based company, Shen Wei Dance Arts, which was founded in 2000, hasn't performed in mainland China yet.

"I want to go. But everything has to come together the schedule, the host, the program," he said.

Inside News

Editor's picks