The American Dance Festival, one of the most prestigious institutions for modern dance in the world, announced on 2/20 that the 2013 Samuel H. Scripps / American Dance Festival Award for Lifetime Achievement will be awarded to the renowned Taiwanese choreographer, Lin Hwai-min. The award celebrates choreographers who have made distinguished contribution to modern dance. Previous awardees include Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham, Paul Taylor, Trisha Brown, Pina Bausch and William Forsythe.
The American Dance Festival said, “Mr. Lin’s fearless zeal for the art form has established him as one of the most dynamic and innovative choreographers today. While his works often draw inspiration from traditional elements of Asian culture and aesthetics, his choreographic brilliance continues to push boundaries and redefine the art form… Lin Hwai-min’s illustrious career as a choreographer has spanned over four decades and has earned him international praise for his impact on Chinese modern dance.”
Lin Hwai-min is the first Scripps recipient who works outside of the United States and Europe. He will travel to the Duke University, North Carolina, where American Dance Festival takes place every summer, to receive the prize of US$50,000 and a trophy nicknamed “the Sammy,” which is named after Mr. Scripps whose endorsement started the award in 1981.
A writer-turned choreographer, Lin Hwai-min is the founder of Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan, the first modern dance company in all Chinese communities, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. The company has been acclaimed throughout the world for Lin’s original dance works that transform traditional Asian aesthetics into thrilling contemporary expression. Among the international honors Lin Hwai-min has received include “Asia’s Heroes” by the Time magazine, the John D. Rockefeller 3rd Award, the Chevalier de l’ Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French Ministry of Culture, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Movimentos Dance Prize, Germany.
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