The Taiwan-based contemporary dance company brings a visually arresting performance that weaves Western mythology and Eastern traditions, exploring themes of identity and freedom.
Dance Victoria presents the much-awaited Canadian premiere of Hung Dance’s BIRDY. On November 14 + 15, the Taiwan-based contemporary dance company brings the award-winning work to the Royal Theatre, kicking off Dance Victoria’s 2025/26 Season of the World’s Best Dance.
“The themes of BIRDY—freedom and oppression, and the impact of individual actions on society’s equilibrium—are more timely and essential than ever,” says Gillian Jones, Executive Director at Dance Victoria. “The piece was created in Taiwan’s specific cultural context, but it’s universally relevant as we grapple with global conflicts, the climate crisis, and our own personal responsibility.”
BIRDY has been circling the globe after a sold-out 20-show run at the Festival OFF Avignon in 2023. The visually arresting dance work explores the tension between freedom and limitation. Under the artistic direction of choreographer and company founder LAI Hung-Chung, “One of the best young choreographers working in Taiwan today” (Taipei Times), the piece weaves Western mythology and Eastern traditions through stunning contemporary dance, set to an eclectic mix of electronic and Chinese classical music.
The remarkable visual design in BIRDY centers on the Ling Zi, a long pheasant feather headpiece drawn from traditional Chinese opera, which serves to drive the narrative forward in symbolic and evocative ways. Worn by the dancers like a warrior’s headdress, it extends their bodies into space, becoming spear, whip, quill, and blade. Chosen by LAI to signify the individual’s desire for self-empowerment, the Ling Zi becomes a multi-dimensional instrument that shape-shifts throughout the performance. The result is a visceral performance that speaks across borders to a shared human desire: to fly free. Audience members are invited to attend a Pre-show Chat with Artistic Director LAI Hung-Chung at 6:45 pm in the Royal Theatre lobby, facilitated by Dr. Allana Lindgren, Dean of Fine Arts at the University of Victoria. Hung Dance will also facilitate a free community Masterclass—details coming soon. Dance Victoria’s presentation of Hung Dance is made possible with generous support from Season Sponsor Derma Spa, Lead Presentation Sponsors Cascadia Architects and Bespoke Homes Team, Engel & Völkers, and with public support from the Government of Canada, Canada Council for the Arts, Government of BC, BC Arts Council, and the CRD Arts Development office.
About Hung Dance
Founded in 2017 by award-winning choreographer and Artistic Director LAI Hung-Chung, Hung Dance is a contemporary dance company based in Taipei, Taiwan. Fusing elements of Tai Chi, Peking opera, and traditional cultural symbolism with contemporary movement, the company has developed a distinctive choreographic language that stands out for its athleticism and artistry. Since its inception, Hung Dance has toured extensively, earning critical acclaim at international festivals across Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. Through its expanding repertoire—the company, named after the Chinese character, hung 翃, meaning “to fly”—explores themes of freedom, conformity, identity, and the delicate relationship between humans and nature. HungDance.com.
Hung Dance
Friday, November 14 + Saturday, November 15, 7:30 pm
Royal Theatre
How to Buy Tickets
Phone: The Royal or McPherson Box Offices at 250-386-6121 or toll free at 1-888-717-6121 Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (Royal Theatre is closed 1:00 to 1:30 pm)
Online: DanceVictoria.com
Visit the Royal and McPherson Theatres website for current Box Office details.
SINGLE TICKET PRICES (NON-SUBSCRIBER PRICING)
| Loge | $133.25 |
| Premium | $123.25 |
| A | $102.00 |
| B | $86.00 |
| C | $49.00 |
| D | $34.00 |
Discounted Pay Your Age (ages 12 to 29) and Night Moves (ages 30 to 45) tickets are also available.
About Dance Victoria
Dance Victoria brings the World’s Best Dance to the Royal Theatre and supports the development of new dance for the international stage from our studios in Quadra Village. Dance Victoria is a non-profit charitable society with the mission to cultivate a connection to dance by presenting and supporting diverse local, national, and international artists, and inspiring all communities through the magic of dance. Our vision is that everyone in Greater Victoria can experience the transformative power of world-class dance. DanceVictoria.com
Media Materials
Available upon request.
Media Contact
Anne-Sophie Cournoyer
Marketing Manager, Dance Victoria
[email protected]
250-595-1829