CloudGate Dance Theatre, the legendaryTaiwanese company, was 31 by Lin Hwai-min at a young age of26. Back then in Taiwan, seldom did people hear about the moderndance and there were 32 studios to practice or perform in.Nevertheless, the love of dance 33 the young ambitious man thegreatest strength to pursue his dream. And 34, Lin was able to successfullybuild Cloud Gateinto the most praiseworthy and outstanding dance company in Asia.

Time magazine hasdescribed Lin as “Asia’s 35 dancegenius” for his great talent for fusing East and West. 36, Songs of the Wanderers, for example. Itwas created in 1994 after Lin’s journey to Bodhgaya, in northernIndia. The work is about a search for enlightenment and reflections 37 Buddhist philosophy--that is, anoriental theme. But Lin interprets it inthe form of Western modern dance. On thestage, tons of rice grains are poured in a continuous stream, 38 a sort of unusual but beautifulwaterfall. Rich in peace- 39 images and cheered by enthusiasticaudiences, the Songs of the Wanderersonce again proves Cloud Gate tobe the most popular dance company 40 they appear.