Guangdong Modern Dance Company (GMDC) is China's first professional modern dance company. Internationally renowned for its exquisite and captivating performances, the company was founded in June, 1992 under the auspices of the Guangdong Provincial Cultural Bureau.
Ms. Yang Mei-qi was appointed the first managing director, and Mr. Willy Tsao from Hong Kong was invited to be the first artistic director for the company. Mr. Tsao served his term till 1998, and Ms. Yang Mei-qi (1998-2000), Mr. Gao Chengming (2000-2004) became the company's artistic director subsequently.
GMDC is a company based in the fastest growing region of the fastest growing economy in the world. Its vision that modern dance is a tool for self-expression attracts some of the most talented dancers and choreographers in China, paving the way for the development of dance in a country with distinctly different social and cultural backgrounds from the West.
Works created by its dancers, resident choreographers, artistic directors and international guest artists have been staged at home and abroad. Its performances are always met with critical acclaims and overwhelming audience responses.
The company performs abroad frequently and has appeared at the India International Dance Festival, the Singapore International Arts Festival, Korea's Chang-Mu International Dance Festival, England's Edinburgh Festival, Millennium Moves of Germany, Japan's Tokyo Tinay Alice International Theatre Festival, Hong Kong Festival of Asian Arts, Holland Dance Festival, Dance Salad Festival of Houston, USA etc.
During the past decade, China's modern dance has witnessed not only the growing of a company but the rise of many sparkling stars. The Company's dancers Qiao Yang, Shen Wei, Xing Liang, Sang Ji-jia, Li Han-zhong, Yang Yun-tao, Shi Xuan, Liu Qi, Long Yun-na etc., gained international recognition by winning prizes of prestigious world dance competitions and by presenting works of excellent skill and high standard choreography.
In July 2004, Guangdong Modern Dance Company underwent an epoch-making structural reform. As a result of the change, the company no longer operates under full state subvention and governmental administration.
The restructured organization is a joint venture by Xinghai Performing Arts Development Co., Ltd. (Guangdong) and City Contemporary Dance Company (Hong Kong) and it will have its own board of directors to administer the company's directions and operation. Willy Tsao, the founding artistic director (1992-1998) of the company was invited to be the general manager/artistic director.
The structural change and the new artistic endeavor has injected fresh energy to this strong company and it strides on, not only to reach higher artistic achievements but also to bring their dances to more people both locally and abroad.
(China.org.cn September 22, 2005)
