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Updated Thursday, November 19, 2009 5:27 pm TWN, By Jennifer Huang and Sofia Wu, CNA



	Chou Shu-yi, an up-and-coming Taiwanese choreographer, has won the top prize in a tightly contested global choreographic competition sponsored by the renowned London dance house Sadler's Wells. (CNA) Enlarge Photo

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Budding Taiwanese choreographer wins top prize in British contest

Alistair Spalding, Sadler's Wells artistic director, said it was a remarkable achievement for a young choreographer in the burgeoning stage of his career to defeat strong competitors from around the world with an outstanding dance piece.

Chou's win is not only a new milestone in his choreographic career but also brings pride to Taiwan, said an official at Taiwan's representative office in London.

According to Chou, his prize-winning work, titled "1875 Ravel and Bolero," was inspired by French composer Joseph-Maurice Ravel, whose famous Bolero was commissioned in 1928 by Ida Rubinstein for a dance recital.

"My work conveys the concept 'treasure and live in the moment, '" Chou explained. "The music of Bolero is like part of time and also like the composition of one's life and living... accumulating piece by piece... but it comes to an end all of a sudden without leaving any traces."

Chou recalled that his dance piece, which he described as poetic, drew constant laughter throughout the filming process because of its extraordinary style.

Chou said he is very grateful to all those who participated in the online voting.

"No matter which country or finalist the Internet users voted for, this innovative way of running a contest has allowed me to connect with more people and allowed more people to view my choreographic work and body language," Chou said.

Sadler's Wells is known as one of the world's most famous "sacred palaces" for modern dance. Only top-notch dancers and dancing troupes have been invited to perform on its stage. Taiwan's world-renowned Cloud Gate Dance Theatre has performed at Sadler's Wells several times.

Chou said he was quite overwhelmed to learn that he will be able to perform live at Sadler's Wells.

Praising Chou's work as "brilliant, " Spalding said he believes it will not be eclipsed by other world-class pieces to be performed in the Sadler's Wells Sampled.

"His work is on par with many world-class pieces," Spalding said, adding that his theater looks forward to collaborating with Chou and his dancers.

Under the arrangement, Chou's group will give two performances at Sadler's Wells Jan.30-31.

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