Contemporary Dance Festival: Japan + East Asia

Contemporary Dance | North American Premiere

Friday, January 10 at 7:30 pm—Followed by an opening night reception
Saturday, January 11 at 7:30 pm—Followed by an artist Q&A

The Contemporary Dance Festival celebrates its 20th showcase of East Asia’s juiciest contemporary dance with three ensemble pieces.

From Japan, Where we were born, choreographed by Ruri Mito and performed by ensemble Co. Ruri Mito, weaves and unravels delicately and intricately connected dancers, creating one kaleidoscopic body.

From Taiwan, …and, or…, choreographed by I-Ling Liu, a former dancer with Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company, features two dancers whose relationship rapidly shifts through delicate and sharp movements in a non-music/sound environment.

And, from South Korea, Trivial Perfection, choreographed and performed by Dae-ho Lee with ensemble C.Sense, builds complex shapes in this crescendoing, exuberant piece combining modern dance, hip-hop and martial arts.

On both nights, audiences are invited to arrive by 7:05 pm to watch a special solo performance in the Society’s lobby titled Matou, 15-minute work choreographed and performed by Ruri Mito, which receives its New York City debut after touring the world to critical acclaim.  The pre-show lobby performance is open to the public; a ticket is not required.

Your ticket also includes complimentary, same-day admission for one person to Bunraku Backstage, on view at Japan Society Gallery through January 19, 2025. To view the exhibition please show your ticket/receipt to the Welcome Desk for free admission before the performance.

Image: Where we were born © matron2020; Ruri Mito © matron2024; I-Ling Liu © 58kg; Dae-ho Lee © soldiner94.

Contemporary Dance Festival: Japan + East Asia is supported by Arts Council Tokyo (Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture), the Taipei Cultural Center in New York, and The Harkness Foundation for Dance. The program is also assisted by Korea Dance Abroad. Support for the international travel of Co. Ruri Mito for the Contemporary Dance Festival: Japan + East Asia program is provided by The Japan Foundation.

2024-25 Performing Arts Season Support

The season is made possible, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

Additional, major support is generously provided by Doug and Teresa Peterson, Howard Gilman Foundation, and Jun Makihara and Megumi Oka. Endowment support is provided by the Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Endowment Fund, John and Miyoko Davey Foundation, and a leadership gift from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.

Program support is also generously provided by The Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation; Hisamitsu America, Inc.; Akiko Mikumo; Hiroko Onoyama; Richard and Momona Royce; Dr. and Mrs. Carl F. Taeusch II; Dr. Jeanette C. Takamura; Nancy and Joe Walker; Estate of Alan M. Suhonen; and Performing Arts Circle members.

All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd. is the official airline of the Japan Society Performing Arts Program. Yamaha is the official piano provider of Japan Society.

Japan Society programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.