Birdy

“Birdy,” a captivating dance piece by Lai Hung-chung, explores the interplay of freedom and limitations. Lai delves into the subtle influences of emotions and historical echoes on social harmony through a blend of societal dynamics and personal narratives. Using a cage and dreamer metaphor, Lai bridges personal struggles with broader societal contexts. The deconstruction of traditional Chinese opera props, like the spear transformed into a cage-like “Rattan pole,” symbolizes life’s constraints. Incorporating the “Ling Zi” pheasant feathers, traditionally signifying warrior might, Lai reinterprets their meaning to empower individuals to redefine their consciousness. This exploration of freedom and self-awareness is visually depicted through the imagery of the “Ling Zi,” subtly suggesting life’s delicate balance between limitations and aspirations. Set to an eclectic mix of electronic and Chinese classical music, “Birdy” reinterprets percussion and seamlessly blends Tai Chi with contemporary dance. It portrays the journey from tradition to modernity and conveys a powerful message that in this era, we can redefine class, freedom, and limitations while seeking balance and identity.

About Hung Dance
Hung Dance is a Taiwanese contemporary dance company founded in 2017 by artistic director and choreographer Lai Hung-Chung. Inspired by the word “Hung (翃),” the company’s name reflects its aspiration to soar. Focusing on annual productions, international collaboration, and tours, Hung Dance also organizes the Stray Birds Dance Platform to foster choreographers’ creativity and connect them to global resources.

The company has received numerous accolades for its acclaimed works “Watcher” and “Birdy”, presented at prestigious competitions and festivals around the world. Most recently, “Push and Pull”, choreographed by Lai and performed by Lu Ying-chieh and Lee Kuan-ling, garnered four partner awards at RIDCC, the world’s largest duet choreography competition, in mid-June. Lai also made history as the first Taiwanese choreographer invited to create for the world-renowned Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT). This work further stood out among more than 400 entries from 56 countries at Germany’s esteemed International Choreography Competition Hannover, winning both the First Prize and the Audience Choice Award.

Hung Dance has toured extensively, captivating audiences across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa with more than 250 mesmerising performances. The company’s works are known for their distinctive blend of traditional and contemporary elements, inviting audiences to interpret, imagine, and experience the timeless beauty of dance.

Lai Hung-Chung’s choreography explores human emotion and the interplay between culture and nature. By seamlessly integrating elements of Chinese opera, mythology, and Tai Chi with contemporary movement, he has developed a compelling dance vocabulary and training system that continues to intrigue and inspire.

2025
Four Partner Awards, RIDCC (the world’s largest duet choreography competition), Push and Pull
1st Prize and Audience Choice Award, 39th International Choreographic Competition, Hannover, Germany, Push and Pull

2024
North America Debut at the 91st American Dance Festival
FACP—Clare C. & Friends Fellowship Second Prize, The Peter Pan

2023
Adelaide Fringe Weekly Award, Adelaide Fringe Festival, See You
14th Spazio Teatro No’hma Teresa Pomodoro—The special prize for the conservation of the cultural heritage of humanity, Birdy
FACP—Clare C. & Friends Fellowship First, Prize, Birdy

2022
Mervyn Stutter’s Spirit of the Fringe Awards, Edinburgh, See You

2020
Finalist, 19th Taishin Arts Award, Taiwan, See You

2018
3rd Prize, 32nd International Choreographic Competition, Hannover, Germany, Birdy
Audience Award, Tanzplatform, Bern, Switzerland, Birdy

2017
3rd Prize and Critics Award, 31st International Choreographic Competition, Hannover, Germany, Watcher
1st prize, Burgos & New York International Choreography Contest, Spain, Birdy
Audience Prize, Masdanza International Dance Festival, Spain, Birdy

Performers:
Performers | CHENG I-han, LEE Kuan-ling, LU Ying-chieh, WU Shin-jie, CHEN Ting-
yu, HUANG Li-chieh, XIA Zhen-wei, CHIU Po-sheng