Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan to Return to Chicago with SONGS OF THE WANDERERS, 3/14-16

Asia's leading contemporary Dance Company Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan returns to Chicago with Songs of the Wanderers, co-presented by The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University and The Joffrey Ballet. Performances are March 14 at 7:30 p.m. and 16 at 3 p.m. at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Pkwy., Chicago.

"Chicago has an international reputation as a place for cultural collaboration and innovation," said Jim McDonough, executive director of Alphawood Foundation. "Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan is Asia's leading contemporary Dance Company. We have been proud to support Cloud Gate's previous Chicago appearances, and we are thrilled to be a part of the partnership of three of Chicago's most important cultural institutions-The Dance Center, the Auditorium and The Joffrey-to present them again."

A masterpiece of imagination and timeless inner tranquility, Founder/Artistic Director Lin Hwai-min's Songs of the Wanderers was inspired by the wealth of religious practices throughout Asia and Herman Hesse's account of Siddhartha's quest for enlightenment. A visually stunning paean to spiritual pilgrimage, the piece transforms ancient rites into mesmerizing dance theatre. The blend of Eastern and Western dance styles result in startlingly beautiful images, with absolute focus and control by the performers, all set to soulful Georgian folk songs. The scenic design includes an astonishing three and a half tons of shimmering golden grains of rice that shower down on the stage throughout the piece.

"Cloud Gate has made five tours to Chicago, three presented by The Dance Center and two by the Auditorium Theatre Council," said Lin Hwai-min. "Among many cities we have visited around the world, Chicago is remembered as one of many friends."

Residency Activities: As part of Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan's residency, a post-performance conversation with the artists takes place March 16, and a senior member of Cloud Gate Dance Theatre will participate in The Dance Center's DanceMakers series, which features leading contemporary dance artists offering insight into their choreographic process, on Monday, March 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. In celebration of The Dance Center's 40th season, DanceMakers sessions are free. Pre-registration is required by visiting colum.edu/dancecenter/performances/dancemakers.

Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan: According to legend, Cloud Gate is the name of the oldest known dance in China, a ritual dance of some 5,000 years ago. In 1973, internationally renowned choreographer Lin Hwai-min adopted this classical name for the first contemporary Dance Company in any Chinese-speaking community: Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan. Cloud Gate's rich repertoire has its roots in Asian myths, folklore and aesthetics, but it brings to these age-old beliefs and stories a contemporary and universal perspective. The 24 dancers of the company receive training from the West and the East, including Tai Chi Tao Yin (an ancient form of Chi Kung), meditation, martial arts, modern dance, ballet and calligraphy. With frequent appearances at international arts festivals, including the Next Wave Festival, Cloud Gate has received high acclaim throughout the world.

The Dance Center: The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, named "Chicago's Best Dance Theatre" by Chicago magazine and "Best Dance Venue" by the Chicago Reader, is the city's leading presenter of contemporary dance, showcasing artists of regional, national and international significance. Programs of The Dance Center, located at 1306 S. Michigan Ave., are supported, in part, by the Alphawood Foundation, The Joyce Foundation, the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, The MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince, New England Foundation for the Arts, The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, The Irving Harris Foundation, Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation and Arts Midwest. Additional funding is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Illinois Arts Council. Special thanks to Athletico, the Official Provider of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy for The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, and the Friends of The Dance Center. For information, call 312-369-8330 or visit colum.edu/dancecenter.

The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University: Built in 1889, The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, located at 50 E Congress Pkwy., is an Illinois not-for-profit organization committed to presenting the finest in international, cultural, community and educational programming to Chicago and to the continued restoration and preservation of the National Historic Landmark Auditorium Theatre. The Auditorium Theatre is generously supported by the MacArthur Foundation, the NIB Foundation, the Illinois Arts Council and the Palmer House Hilton. For more information about programming, volunteer and donor opportunities or theatre tours, call 312-341-2310 or visit AuditoriumTheatre.org.

The Joffrey Ballet: The Joffrey Ballet is a world-class, Chicago-based ballet company and dance education organization committed to artistic excellence and innovation, presenting a unique repertoire encompassing masterpieces of the past and cutting-edge works. The Joffrey is committed to providing arts education and accessible dance training through its Joffrey Academy of Dance and Community Engagement programs. The Joffrey Ballet is grateful for the support of its 2013-2014 Season Sponsors and Partners. With special thanks to Abbott Fund and NIB Foundation, Co-Sponsors of the 2013-2014 Season; Alphawood Foundation, Masters of Dance Sponsor; United Airlines, Official & Exclusive Airline; Vanguard Weiss Memorial Hospital, Chicago Center for Orthopedics, Official Healthcare Provider; AthletiCo, Official Provider of Physical Therapy; and JW Marriott, Official Hotel. For additional information, visit joffrey.org.

Alphawood Foundation: Alphawood Foundation is a Chicago-based grant making private foundation working for an equitable, just and humane society. It awards grants to more than 200 organizations annually, primarily in the areas of the arts and arts education, advocacy, architecture and preservation, domestic violence prevention, the environment, promotion and protection of the rights of LGBT citizens and people living with HIV/AIDS, and other human and civil rights.

Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan performs Songs of the Wanderers March 14 at 7:30 p.m. and March 16 at 3 p.m. at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Pkwy., Chicago. Single tickets are $25-68; tickets also are available as part of a subscription at The Dance Center (20 percent discount) or the Auditorium Theatre (30 percent discount). Tickets are available by phone at 800-982-ARTS (2787), online at AuditoriumTheatre.org or in person at 50 E Congress Pkwy, Chicago. Groups of 10 or more may purchase discounted tickets by calling 312-341-2357.

Pictured: Dancer Wang Wei-Ming. Photo by Yu Hui-Hung.