Fang-Yi Sheu (許芳宜): Taiwan's Light Speaking Through the Body
From Yilan to New York: A Dance Journey
Fang-Yi Sheu was born in 1971 in Yilan, a small county in northeastern Taiwan. Her father was a businessman, and her family had no connection to the arts. Yet from a young age, she was drawn to dance. She joined dance classes in elementary school and later gained admission to the dance department at what is now Taipei National University of the Arts. After graduation, she made a bold decision that many thought was crazy—she moved to New York.
Her first years in New York were extremely challenging. She worked odd jobs, lived frugally, and constantly auditioned for various dance companies. In 1995, she successfully joined the Martha Graham Dance Company—one of the world's most historic modern dance institutions. From corps member to soloist to principal dancer, Fang-Yi Sheu accomplished in less than ten years what many dancers spend a lifetime pursuing.
Principal Dancer at Martha Graham Dance Company
During her time with the Martha Graham company, Fang-Yi Sheu interpreted Graham's most iconic roles. She performed "Diversion of Angels," "Night Journey," and "Errand into the Maze." New York dance critics called her "the contemporary dancer closest to Graham's spirit."
Her body possessed an explosive power rare among Asian dancers. Graham technique emphasizes contraction and release, a core strength that emerges from breathing, which Fang-Yi interpreted with exceptional depth. She once said, "I'm not dancing, I'm breathing. Dance is an extension of breathing."
In 2005, The New York Times called her "one of the most compelling dancers around." She became one of the few Asian faces to secure a place in the highest echelons of Western modern dance.
Homecoming: LAFA (Life Art For All)
In 2008, after establishing herself firmly in New York, Fang-Yi Sheu chose to return to Taiwan. She founded "LAFA" (Life Art For All), an arts platform centered around the body. LAFA is more than a dance company—it encompasses performance, education, and cross-disciplinary collaborations.
Her decision to return to Taiwan sparked considerable debate. Many thought she was making a mistake—why give up her position as a principal dancer in New York? But Fang-Yi's answer was simple: "Taiwan needs someone to do this work." She wanted Taiwanese people to understand that the body is not merely a tool—the body itself is a language.
She and lin-hwai-min represent two extremes in Taiwan's modern dance scene: Lin Hwai-min constructs systems using Eastern philosophy, while Fang-Yi uses Western training to respond to Asian bodies. Their combined presence makes Taiwan an undeniable coordinate on the Asian modern dance map.
Cross-Disciplinary Work and Cultural Impact
Fang-Yi Sheu refuses to confine herself to stage performances alone. She has appeared in films by ang-lee, collaborated with Cloud Gate 2, delivered TEDx talks, and promoted body education in schools. In 2020, her documentary "Me & My Body" was released, introducing more Taiwanese audiences to this Yilan girl who shines on the international dance stage.
One of her widely quoted statements captures her philosophy: "Your body is your story."
Teaching and Educational Philosophy
Beyond performance, Fang-Yi has become a passionate advocate for dance education and body awareness. Through LAFA's educational programs, she emphasizes that dance training is not just about technical proficiency but about developing a deeper understanding of oneself and one's relationship with the world.
Her approach to teaching reflects her belief that everyone has a unique physical vocabulary. Rather than imposing a single standard of movement, she encourages students to discover their own authentic expression through their bodies. This philosophy has influenced a new generation of Taiwanese dancers and movement practitioners.
Cultural Bridge and International Recognition
Fang-Yi Sheu's career represents more than individual artistic achievement; she serves as a cultural bridge between East and West. Her ability to master Western modern dance technique while maintaining her Asian identity has opened doors for other Asian artists and challenged preconceptions about what bodies can express certain forms of art.
Her international recognition has also brought attention to Taiwan's cultural scene. Through her work, international audiences have gained appreciation for Taiwan's artistic vitality and the unique perspective that Taiwanese artists bring to global conversations about art and culture.
Artistic Philosophy and Vision
Central to Fang-Yi's artistic vision is the belief that dance should be accessible to everyone, not confined to elite circles. Through LAFA, she has worked to democratize dance education and create opportunities for diverse communities to engage with movement arts. Her "Life Art For All" philosophy reflects a commitment to using art as a tool for social connection and personal transformation.
She frequently speaks about dance as a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. This perspective has informed her collaborative projects, which often bring together artists from different backgrounds and disciplines to create innovative works that speak to contemporary global experiences.
Legacy and Continuing Impact
Fang-Yi Sheu's impact on Taiwan's dance scene extends far beyond her own performances. As a mentor to young dancers, an advocate for arts education, and a cultural ambassador, she has helped establish Taiwan as a significant force in international contemporary dance.
Her story—from a small-town girl with big dreams to an internationally acclaimed artist who chose to return home—resonates with many Taiwanese people navigating their own relationships with tradition and modernity, local identity and global citizenship.
Through her continued work with LAFA and her ongoing artistic projects, Fang-Yi Sheu demonstrates that artists can be both globally competitive and locally rooted, that excellence in art can serve both personal expression and community building.
References
- Fang-Yi Sheu — National Culture and Arts Foundation — Artist profile and documentation
- LAFA Official Website — Performance schedules and program information
- New York Times Dance Reviews — Critical coverage of Fang-Yi Sheu's performances
- TEDxTaipei — Fang-Yi Sheu Talk — Lecture on body language and movement
- Martha Graham Dance Company Archives — Historical documentation of her tenure with the company