About HUNG DANCE
Founded in Taiwan in 2017 by Artistic Director and choreographer LAI Hung-chung, HUNG DANCE takes its name from the Chinese character “Hung” (翃), meaning “to soar.” The company’s work centres on four core areas: original productions, international collaboration, international touring, and the Stray Birds Dance Platform.Drawing inspiration from human emotions and the connections among people, society, culture, and nature, LAI has developed a distinctive movement language for HUNG DANCE that brings together contemporary dance, Eastern philosophy, and principles drawn from Tai Chi.
HUNG DANCE first gained international recognition through LAI’s short works Watcher and Birdy, which received thirteen awards at international choreography competitions and festivals. The company has since presented more than 320 performances in 72 cities across 26 countries and five continents.
The company’s full-length works have also attracted international attention. BIRDY completed a sold-out run of twenty-one performances at Festival OFF Avignon, while See You received five five-star reviews and the Mervyn Stutter Spirit of the Fringe Award as part of the Taiwan Season at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. See You was also nominated for the 19th Taishin Arts Award.
In 2025, LAI’s duet Push and Pull received First Prize and the Audience Award at the International Choreographic Competition Hannover, four partner awards at the Rotterdam International Duet Choreography Competition, and First Prize and the Audience Award at the Burgos & New York International Choreography Competition. These achievements have led to new artistic partnerships and further international touring opportunities for the company.
International exchange remains central to HUNG DANCE’s development. The company has collaborated with Spanish choreographer Mario Bermúdez Gil on Out of Elegant and Italian choreographer Giovanni Insaudo on MITICI, giving its dancers opportunities to engage with different choreographic practices and cultural perspectives.
Founded by LAI in 2019 and held annually in Taiwan, the Stray Birds Dance Platform supports artist development and international exchange through performances, international open calls, residencies, commissions, and partnerships with festivals, competitions, dance companies, and theatres worldwide. It brings emerging and established artists together while creating pathways between Taiwanese choreographers and the international dance community.
Awards
2025
Netherland | Rotterdam International Duet Choreography Competition | Four Partner Awards from Nederlands Dans Theater, Codarts Rotterdam, FORM Dance Projects, and TanzLabor ROXY Ulm
Germany | International Choreographic Competition Hannover | Top Prize (Tanja Liedtke Award) and Audience Award
Spain | Burgos & New York International Choreography Competition | First Prize & Audience Award
Japan | Yokohama Dance Collection (Japan) | Best Dancer Award, Partner Award – Architanz Artist Support Program and Partner Award – Toyohashi Arts Theatre PLAT Residency Program
2023
Australia | AUS Adelaide Fringe Festival | Adelaide Fringe Weekly Award
2022
Lai Hung Chung's “See You” selected by the Ministry of Culture to participate in Taiwan Avignon Off at the Festival OFF d'Avignon and the Taiwan Season at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Kroea | Seoul International Choreography Festival | Finland International Dance Galas Cultural Exchange | Slovenija Fornt Art Festival
2020
Lai Hung Chung's “See You”nominated for the 19th Taishin Arts AwardLai Hung Chung's “Boundless” selected by the Ministry of Culture to participate in Taiwan Avignon Off at the Festival OFF d'Avignon and the Taiwan Season at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival
2019
New York | Dance Gallery Festival | Audience Award Best ChoreographySeoul | Seoul International Choreography Festival 5 perdormance-invited Awards「1000 CRANES FESTIVAL」、「American Dance Festival(ADF)」、「OPEN LOOK, International Dance Festival」、「Pori Dance Company Triple Bill- series 2020」、「Contemporary Ballet of Asia(Co.B.A)」
2018
Germany | 32nd International Choreographic Competition Hanover | 3rd Prize
Tanzplattform Bern | Audience Award Best Choreography
2017
Germany | 31st International Choreographic Competition Hanover | 3rd Prize and Critics AwardSpain | Burgos & New York International Choreography Contest | 1st prizeSpain | Masdanza International Dance Festival | Audience Award Best Choreography Japan | Odoru Akita International Dance Festival | Audience Award Best ChoreographySwitzerland |
