By tf-lawyer.com Lin Xiangxiu, the first Chinese dancer to join the José Limón Dance Company in the U.S., has recently arrived in the Bay Area to present “RISING III,” a piece featured in the San Jose Dance Company’s upcoming show, “Elevate.” Lin’s choreography draws inspiration from her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time that profoundly disrupted the performing arts. She shared that dancers practiced wearing masks, grappling with an atmosphere filled with fear and uncertainty. Tragically, she lost three close family members during this challenging period. In a recent interview, she reflected, “Many feelings of confusion during the pandemic will be mirrored in the dance, and by the end of the piece, each dancer will seek their own goals and hopes in life.”
Having earned a Master’s in Performing Arts from San Jose State University, Lin has strong connections to the Bay Area. Since moving to the U.S. in 1990 to pursue her passion for dance, she has frequently divided her time between Taiwan and America. After returning to Taiwan in 2023 for family reasons, she is now teaching at the Department of Dance at National Taiwan University of Arts. Lin has been nominated for the prestigious Isadora Duncan Dance Awards, which are often dubbed the “Oscars of dance,” and is recognized as a pioneering Taiwanese modern dancer in the U.S.
When discussing her collaboration with the San Jose Dance Company, Lin highlighted her long-standing friendship with the company’s director, Maria Basile. The company was established in 2003, and Lin joined as a guest choreographer in 2009.
Reflecting on the hurdles presented by the pandemic in 2020, Lin recalled how dancers were unable to access studios, and all performing arts activities came to a standstill, creating an atmosphere of widespread panic and insecurity. Despite this, the San Jose Dance Company adapted by taking performances outdoors to connect with both audiences and dancers, which Lin deemed crucial during such trying times.
Lin pointed out that the pandemic’s effects went beyond adults, deeply affecting the emotions of young students. In the first two parts of “RISING,” she specifically included dancers aged 9 to 14, many of whom turned to online learning during the pandemic. Their feelings of uncertainty about the future became a key element of the performance.
Now back in the Bay Area, Lin has observed a decline in attendance from the Chinese community at modern dance performances, as many perceive this art form as remote. However, she believes that the San Jose Dance Company dedicates significant resources each year to present performances of international caliber. Lin hopes to bridge this gap and inspire more Chinese audiences to appreciate modern dance.
Lin has previously showcased two segments of “RISING,” which explore the impact of the pandemic and the transformations it prompted. The forthcoming “RISING III,” premiering in the Bay Area, reflects on the post-pandemic landscape, emphasizing how individuals can navigate their anxieties and find direction in life. This piece features music by the late Italian composer Ezio Bosso, performed by the San José Chamber Orchestra. “Elevate” will take place on October 11 and 12 at the San Jose California Theatre.
