Born: 1971 (Yilan County, Taiwan)
Fang-Yi Sheu (Chinese: born 1971) is a Taiwanese-American dancer and choreographer. She has made significant contributions to the world of dance, both as a performer and as a creator.
Born in Yilan County, an agricultural area in northeastern Taiwan, Sheu grew up in a family where the arts were not a common pursuit. Her father ran a pharmacy, and it was in this environment that her passion for dance began to take shape. At the age of nine, she entered a local dance school and quickly discovered her talent and love for the art form. She later attended Hwa Kang Arts School in Taipei, where she honed her skills and laid the foundation for her future career.
Sheu’s talent did not go unnoticed, and she was accepted into the prestigious National Institute of the Arts (now Taipei National University of the Arts) in Taipei. It was here that she had the opportunity to study the Graham technique with Ross Parkes, a former principal dancer of the Martha Graham Dance Company. This experience would prove to be transformational for Sheu, shaping her understanding of dance and fueling her desire to pursue it professionally.
In 1994, Sheu made the bold decision to move to the United States to further her dance education. She was sponsored by the Council for Cultural Affairs and embarked on a journey that would redefine her career. The following year, she joined the Martha Graham Dance Company in New York City, a company renowned for its innovative approach to modern dance. She quickly made a name for herself, earning the title of soloist in 1995 and principal in 1997. New York critics praised her performance, with some hailing her as the finest present-day embodiment of the Graham technique and tradition.
Despite her success in the United States, Sheu felt a deep connection to her homeland and decided to return to Taiwan in 2006. That same year, she founded LAFA & Artists Dance Company in collaboration with fellow Taiwanese dancer Bulareyaung Pagarlava. The company showcased their unique blend of traditional and contemporary dance, captivating audiences at prestigious venues such as Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. Sheu’s talent and versatility were recognized, and she became an artist-in-residence at the Baryshnikov Arts Center.
In 2010, LAFA & Artists disbanded, and Sheu returned to New York City. In 2011, she founded Fang-Yi Sheu & Artists, a platform that allowed her to collaborate with acclaimed dancers and choreographers such as Wendy Whelan, Tyler Angle, Craig Hall, Christopher Wheeldon, and Akram Khan. This new venture further solidified Sheu’s reputation as a visionary choreographer and brought her unique artistic vision to audiences around the world.
Sheu’s influence extends beyond the stage. In 2012, she initiated a campaign in Taiwan called Body Art, which aimed to promote dance as an accessible and inclusive art form for the general public. Through workshops and performances, she inspired a new generation of dancers and encouraged a deeper appreciation for the power of movement.
Sheu’s talent has also been showcased on film. In the 2012 movie Touch of the Light, she portrayed a dance teacher, bringing her real-life expertise to the role. She also demonstrated her versatility by taking on the challenging roles of twin sisters, a princess, and a Taoist nun in the 2015 film The Assassin. Additionally, Sheu starred in and choreographed the dance scenes in the autobiographical film Salute, released in 2022. Her exceptional choreography in the film earned her the Best Action Choreography award at the prestigious 59th Golden Horse Awards.
Throughout her career, Sheu has received numerous accolades and recognition for her outstanding contributions to the world of dance. In 2005, she was listed as one of Dance Magazine’s 25 to Watch, recognizing her as one of the most promising talents in the field. The same year, she was honored with the Order of Brilliant Star with Cravat. At the age of 36, she became the youngest recipient of the National Award for Arts, a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft.
Fang-Yi Sheu’s groundbreaking work as a dancer and choreographer has left an indelible mark on the world of dance. Her ability to seamlessly blend tradition and innovation, her commitment to promoting the accessibility of dance, and her unrivaled talent have made her an influential figure in the world of performing arts. She continues to inspire and empower dancers around the world, leaving a lasting legacy in women’s history.
Awards:
– Order of Brilliant Star with Cravat
– National Award for Arts (Youngest recipient at age 36)
– Best Action Choreography at the 59th Golden Horse Awards