Wang Yu-kwang Sets Sail with 'Island of People,' Using Dance to Speak Honestly to the World
Choreographer Wang Yu-kwang has been nominated for the second time for the Rose International Dance Prize in London. His work 'Island of People' explores Taiwan's identity as a 'shapeless island' defined by freedom and democracy.
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- 📰 Published: April 29, 2026 at 14:35
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Choreographer Wang Yu-kwang has been nominated for the second time for the Rose International Dance Prize, organized by London's prestigious Sadler's Wells. He stated that his work originates from Taiwan: 'By facing it honestly, I believe that what I care about and work for can be transmitted to distant places through dance.'
Wang's creations are always closely linked to the land and experiences where he grew up. In an online interview with CNA today, he explained that 'Island of People' was gradually shaped by the 'shaking of the island.' 'I don't perform indigenous or ethnic dances, so I wondered for a long time: what is my tradition? Where do I come from?'
One day, he threw a piece of black plastic film into the air. He saw it fly for less than a second but constantly change shape. 'It made me realize that even though Taiwan is a small island nation, we have various languages and beliefs. Because of freedom and democracy, we embrace one another. We are a shapeless island—soft yet precious.' This insight sparked his exploration of self-identity.
Wang believes that the transforming bodies and objects in 'Island of People' can transcend language and cultural contexts. 'What we care about, what puzzles us, and what we strive for on this small island of Taiwan can be sent further away through dance.'
Although the nomination list was announced today, Wang had received the notification late last year under a strict non-disclosure agreement with Sadler's Wells. In February 2027, he will return to London for two performances at Sadler's Wells, known as the temple of dance.
Recalling his first nomination in 2025, Wang admitted it was a shocking experience. 'I spent six months reflecting on how I could do better and how to handle the pressure.' Facing the upcoming final selection, he says it is ultimately a dialogue with himself: 'Am I honest enough with my work? Did I make the best possible decisions in every choice?'
Wang, a former dancer with Cloud Gate 2, revealed that his dream was to bring his work to the prestigious venues of London and Europe. 'Now, that dream has come true.' He remembers the intensity of his first time on the Sadler's Wells stage in 2025, feeling the weight of the great dancers who had performed there before. 'This recognition from international judges is an immense honor for a creator from a small island like Taiwan.'
Currently, Wang is touring Southeast Asia with 'Island of People,' performing at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac) and the Komunitas Salihara Arts Center in Jakarta. 'Taiwan has Asia's best creation bases, resources, and inclusivity. I look forward to building a contemporary Asian aesthetic and continuing the dialogue with the West.'
Wang's creations are always closely linked to the land and experiences where he grew up. In an online interview with CNA today, he explained that 'Island of People' was gradually shaped by the 'shaking of the island.' 'I don't perform indigenous or ethnic dances, so I wondered for a long time: what is my tradition? Where do I come from?'
One day, he threw a piece of black plastic film into the air. He saw it fly for less than a second but constantly change shape. 'It made me realize that even though Taiwan is a small island nation, we have various languages and beliefs. Because of freedom and democracy, we embrace one another. We are a shapeless island—soft yet precious.' This insight sparked his exploration of self-identity.
Wang believes that the transforming bodies and objects in 'Island of People' can transcend language and cultural contexts. 'What we care about, what puzzles us, and what we strive for on this small island of Taiwan can be sent further away through dance.'
Although the nomination list was announced today, Wang had received the notification late last year under a strict non-disclosure agreement with Sadler's Wells. In February 2027, he will return to London for two performances at Sadler's Wells, known as the temple of dance.
Recalling his first nomination in 2025, Wang admitted it was a shocking experience. 'I spent six months reflecting on how I could do better and how to handle the pressure.' Facing the upcoming final selection, he says it is ultimately a dialogue with himself: 'Am I honest enough with my work? Did I make the best possible decisions in every choice?'
Wang, a former dancer with Cloud Gate 2, revealed that his dream was to bring his work to the prestigious venues of London and Europe. 'Now, that dream has come true.' He remembers the intensity of his first time on the Sadler's Wells stage in 2025, feeling the weight of the great dancers who had performed there before. 'This recognition from international judges is an immense honor for a creator from a small island like Taiwan.'
Currently, Wang is touring Southeast Asia with 'Island of People,' performing at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac) and the Komunitas Salihara Arts Center in Jakarta. 'Taiwan has Asia's best creation bases, resources, and inclusivity. I look forward to building a contemporary Asian aesthetic and continuing the dialogue with the West.'