Taipei, March 23 (CNA) Led by Taiwanese-born principal dancer Sheu Fang-yi, the prestigious New York-based Martha Graham Dance Troupe will visit Taiwan again after a 16-year hiatus, organizers announced at a press conference Thursday.
The troupe, which made its debut in Taiwan in 1974 and a second visit in 1990, will present four performances from March 25-26 at the National Theater with Sheu as a lead dancer in four works.
Founded in 1926 by dancer and choreographer Martha Graham, the Martha Graham Dance Company is the oldest and most celebrated contemporary dance company in America. It has provided a training ground for some of modern dance's most illustrious performers and choreographers.
Until her death in 1991 at the age of 97, Graham had choreographed 181 works.
"Martha loved to be in Taipei. She loved to watch modern dance training in Taipei, " said Francis Mason, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Martha Graham Center of Contemporary Dance.
With many principal dancers from the troupe teaching Graham techniques in Taipei, "It's fair to say that Graham techniques are in the bloodstream of Taiwanese dancers now, " said Mason.
All eyes will be on Sheu, who has been dubbed as "the second coming of Martha Graham." he 35-year-old Sheu became the first principle dancer from Taiwan to dance for the troupe in 1995.
Sheu has been rated by U.S. "Dance Magazine" as being among the 25 most talented dancers of 2005. She also received the Order of the Brilliant Star from President Chen Shui-bian in May 2005 and was one of the "Top Ten Rising Stars" selected by CNA in 2006.
Dances to be performed in Taipei include Errand into the Maze, Appalachian Spring, Chronicle, Cave of the Heart, Acts of the Night and three solos -- Deep Song, Satyric Festival Song and Lamentation.