Representative Rong-chuan Wu and Mrs. Wu of the Taipei Mission in the Republic of Latvia held a welcome reception at the Lithuanian National Drama Theatre on May 12th, 2017 in honor of the Cloud Gate Dance Theatre, which was invited as the inaugural performer of the International Contemporary Dance Festival New Baltic Dance '17. Acting Minister of Culture of Lithuania Ms. Gintautė Žemaitytė, members of the Lithuanian parliament as well as more than two hundred dignitaries attended the reception and interacted with Cloud Gate dancers in a fervent manner.
In his remarks Representative Wu reviewed and praised cultural exchanges between Lithuania and Taiwan in recent years, which have further promoted the understanding between peoples of the two countries. He narrated the touching story of the burning and rebuilding of the Cloud Gate Dance Theatre studio. The Chicago-based Alphawood Foundation donated US$ 5 million, together with 5,000 Taiwanese individuals' contribution made it possible for the reconstruction of the magnificent and environmentally friendly Cloud Gate Studio in New Taipei City in 2012. Director Gintarė Masteikaitė of the Lithuanian Dance Information Centre pointed out that the New Baltic Dance Festival made many efforts to invite the Cloud Gate and could not hide her satisfaction to see it finally realized.
In its first performing tour to the Baltic states, Cloud Gate Dance Theatre presented ''White Water" and "Dust", choreographed by artistic director Lin Hwai-min 3 years ago. The two pieces are of vastly different artistic conception and were both extremely well received by the Lithuanian audience. More than 700 attendees packed the theater gave a standing ovation to the Cloud Gate dancers in recognition of their excellent performance.
Acting Minister of Culture of Lithuania Ms. Gintautė Žemaitytė, Cloud Gate Associate Artistic Director Ms. Lee Ching-Chun, Representative Wu and Mrs. Wu.
A scene from the reception.
Cloud Gate dancers with Lithuanian dignitaries after the performance.
A scene from the Lithuanian National Drama Theatre during the performance
A scene from "White Water". (courtesy of Cloud Gate Dance Theatre, photo by LIU Chen-Hsiang)
A scene from "Dust". (courtesy of Cloud Gate Dance Theatre, photo by LIU Chen-Hsiang)