10 legendary figures of Chinese modern dance
Cao Chengyuan
Updated: Sep 19, 2022
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Cao Chengyuan
曹诚渊
A renowned choreographer, educator, curator and cultural entrepreneur, Cao Chengyuan (Willy Tsao Sing-yuen) is an influential figure in China’s modern dance. Born and raised in Hong Kong, he trained in this art in the United States.
Cao founded the first professional modern dance company in Hong Kong – the City Contemporary Dance Company -- in 1979, and served as its artistic director from 1989 to 2019. In 1987, he worked as a part-time teacher and adviser in Guangdong Dance and Drama College and helped establishing the first professional curriculum of modern art in China’s mainland. Cao started the private professional dance troupe, Beijing Leidong Tianxia Modern Dance Company, in 2005, and has been its artistic director since then.
Since 1980, Cao Chengyuan has created more than 60 works in different styles, including Song of Birds, Kunlun, Chinese Style • Chinese Fire, Peripateticism and Journey to the West. Many of his productions have been staged at major art festivals in Canada, France, Germany, Israel, Japan, Korea and the United States.
