Hey there, I’m Sasa Hsiao, the international producer of Resident Island Dance Theatre from Taiwan. It’s a great honor to be part of the Sixth Season of Center Stage. Even though it's been more than a year since our tour, the memories are still vivid in my mind. Let me take you on a journey through the Center Stage exchange program, where Taiwan met the U.S. in a whirlwind of cultural exploration and artistic exchange.

Taiwan and the U.S.: A Cultural Mashup

Picture this: amidst the chaos of 2020, the U.S. Department of State rolls out the red carpet for the sixth season of Center Stage, inviting Taiwan, Ethiopia, and South Africa to join the party. As a producer and dance troupe manager, I was stoked to represent Taiwan's vibrant arts scene in the land of opportunity. This initiative sparked my interest as it presented an opportunity to delve into the cultural and artistic exchange between Taiwan and the United States. With over 200 ensembles vying for a spot, Taiwan's 126 applications shouted loud and proud – once we were selected, we were ready to rock the stage!

Diving Deep into Human Rights

During our three-week journey in the U.S., conversations with audiences, officials, and partners often veered towards human rights-related topics such as freedom of speech, immigration, gun violence, and bullying. These discussions, coupled with encounters with advocacy groups and protests, underscored the tangible presence of human rights in American society. Our performance of Ice Age provided a platform to delve into these issues, fostering deeper connections with American audiences and reinforcing the importance of human rights for all.

Artistic Vibes Across America

Our journey took us from the bustling streets of Manhattan to the serene setting of Jacob's Pillow in Massachusetts. Along the way, we soaked up performances ranging from ballet and Broadway in New York City to intimate community theater in North Carolina. 

We also had some intimate and special moments with the locals, such as being invited to an inclusive dance company's rehearsal, hanging out at a sports bar with the American Dance Festival staff after a long show day, and having dinner with Deirdre (Center Stage GM) and her family at a cozy house -- the visit included a fire in the yard with everyone singing folk songs from their unique regions. The journey was well-organized and we were treated like the rock stars. However, we also cooked a meal to show our teammates our gratitude. 

We were also amazed by the variety and diversity of the museums in the U.S. Unlike the other touring experiences, we had time to discover and explore the culture and the community. The best part? Seeing audiences of all ages and backgrounds getting hyped about the arts – talk about a universal language!

Challenges and Inspiration in Arts Education

Amidst the proliferation of technology and digital distractions, fostering a love for the arts among younger generations poses a formidable challenge. Observing the multifaceted landscape of the American performing arts market, one cannot help but ponder on strategies to ignite interest and participation in the arts among children. As arts and education practitioners, our participation in international exchanges like Center Stage serves as a catalyst for reimagining arts education and promoting cultural equity on a global scale.

As we mingled with American arts enthusiasts, we couldn't help but wonder: how do we get more kids excited about the arts back home? With technology ruling the roost, inspiring the next generation to embrace creativity is no easy feat. But hey, we're up for the challenge! We organized and conducted a mobile dance theater called 'Memories Pickup,' using a common blue pickup truck as a stage to bring dance performances to rural areas. Our goal was to deliver the beauty of art to underserved communities and schoolchildren who have limited access to the arts.

Unforgettable Moments and Big Shoutouts

Now, let me introduce you to two MVPs of our trip – Cheng Yo Cheng and Maylis Arrabit. Cheng Yo Cheng, a 55-year-old who has battled health issue since his childhood, had never danced before encountering our troupe. For over 25 years, he sold lottery tickets outside a post office, nurturing a dream to travel abroad. Through the Ice Age project, he joined our troupe in 2019 and by 2022 performed with us in Edinburgh for nearly two months. His elderly parents checked on his well-being and diet via video calls almost daily. On the Center Stage tour he showcased his beloved Taiwanese glove puppetry to officials during a meeting with partners at the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, instantly bridging cultural gaps.

Additionally, Maylis Arrabit, a disabled dance artist and choreographer from France exhibited remarkable determination -- flying solo from France to Edinburgh for our residency and performances, and later to Taiwan and to the U.S. She also previously traveled alone to Finland with a twisted ankle for our performances. We are grateful for her perseverance and trust. Having her on the team highlights our collaborative spirits and care for cultural diversity. Not only did they smash stereotypes, but they also showed us the power of dedication and trust.

Big shoutout to the Center Stage team and Lisa Booth Management, Inc. (LBMI) and the gang for making sure our trip was smooth sailing. From accessibility-friendly spaces to top-notch support, they had our backs every step of the way. And let's not forget our pals at the American Dance Festival and Jacob's Pillow for rolling out the red carpet for everyone, always making sure that access needs were met for our disabled performers!

Fueling Future Cultural Exchanges

This adventure wasn't just a one-off – it was a glimpse into the future of cultural exchange. We're all about deepening connections and sparking conversations that transcend borders. Ice Age was invited by the Korea Accessible Dance Festival this year and we also brought another piece In factory to Avignon Off in July 2024. We applied for a residency to connect with some Japanese disabled-led dance companies and we are collaborating with a disabled musician and her band who's from the U.S. in October 2024 when we host our inclusive festival.

Wrapping It Up with Gratitude

Last but not least, a massive shoutout to our ride-or-die crew who made this journey unforgettable. From the U.S. Department of State to our pals at NEFA and beyond, y'all are the real MVPs. And to Lisa Booth (1949-2023), whose spirit lives on in our hearts, thank you for being our guiding light, and making one of our dreams come true.

And that's a wrap, mates! Thanks for joining us on this wild ride through Center Stage. Until next time, keep dancing, keep dreaming, and keep spreading those good vibes!