Audience Feedback

2021 Annenberg Center Livestream Performance Feedback

"Lovely performances. Congratulations Kun Yang, you still got it!!" - ES

"I so enjoyed the performance. I was happy to “be” there… and grateful for the livestreaming!" -- KL

"Everything was so masterfully performed. You are a powerful artist and commanded the space. Your company was beautiful and strong, in all your works. It was inspirational to watch!!!" -- GB

"The best part for me was seeing you perform again. The Calling and The Wind are beautiful, heartfelt pieces. The Mahler music…. just brilliant. Bravo, and love"-- JB

"Both the choreography & dancing were some of the best I’ve seen by KYL/D, & I loved the diversity of the dances. The whole show just “jelled.” Perfect." --DH

"It was exactly what I needed to take a break with myself and really just appreciate the art of movement, color -- body, and music. It was a trip, really, from intensity to lighter, to more engrossing. Thank you. " --SV

"I loved the show. In fact one of the pieces made me cry, The New Normal. I think it was the music that got to me. Every piece was so good." --KB

"Bravo for your sensitive and special work. Great to see you and your beautiful company deepening and working through this time." -- TS

"So uplifting. And watching Kun-Yang dance was a moving experience. When the other dancers drifted into the audience area and it ended quietly with their movements, with him in the center, I was filled with emotion I can't explain." - BS

"It was the best virtual show of any kind that I have seen since the pandemic began." --DH

"I found it magical, he is so creative." --EM

"That was gorgeous! Kudos to Kun Yang and his dancers" --KK

"I invited a couple of friends with whom I'd had a season subscription to the Annenberg contemporary dance series years ago… We were moved and excited by the dance and are thinking we will jump back on board when live performances open up again. I'm so glad I had the chance to watch!" PM

"There's so much craft and breath in this program. Closest thing to live performance I have experienced. --J

"Fascinating and otherworldly" --G

"Incredible performance. Breathtaking. Thank you for this amazing gift." --JS

"This was just a wonderful experience. The music, the lighting, the choreography, the performance. So much excellence. Thank you so very much to everyone who made this happen. I loved it." --G

“The last image of The Wind will stay with me forever” --BM

“These artists really LISTEN to one another.” --J

“It feels so alive to me, not just a streaming, it feels as if they are here with me” --AM

“This is a balm for the soul” --J

“So tender and power at the same time” --PC

“Embodies all of the off-balance moments of this past year” --J

“Breathing deeper now, thank you!” --K

Spring 101 (2019) Feedback

"I was blown away. I had always loved the first movement of the first piece that I saw your old company do. It was a Saturday morning and Ruth and I went up to Mary Anthony's studio down on Lowe Broadway to meet you. Steve thought we should know each other since I was moving to Philadelphia. He was right. I fell in love with your work after seeing the group slowly move forward with lips moving as if in prayer. They were so together, but not to counts. They were sensing each other and they maintained the intensity as the piece progressed. Over the years I saw you pass through many styles and different ways of doing things, but I always loved that piece the best. Imagine my surprise when I saw that exquisite group that you had at the Annenberg start into it? Kun-Yang all the best of you is present at the same time. Your choreography is brilliant. You have so much detail done so beautifully. I'm thinking now of a place in the last piece- where the whole group is moving together, and it looks so smooth, but, when I looked down at their feet I realized they were actually doing a very complicated pattern with tricky timing. Mo has matured so much. When he did that solo, I remembered seeing you do it. I'm very grateful to have seen you dance - but, I'm in awe of your ability to translate your love of dance to other bodies. Mo was very blessed to have met you. You always had faith in him as an artist and now he is a beautiful exquisite dancer. Actually, all of your dancers are wonderful and beautiful to watch. Kun Yang, I think I'd better just send this message off to you. I started this on May 29........and today is July 29......and if I keep thinking of things I love about your concert, it will be December.” V D

“Incredible performance... Lin's 20 years of dance and choreography is paying off...he's a master at his art in my eyes...thanks for being in Philadelphia...” - F K

“Awesome show ! congratulations to all of the company” - R L

“Gorgeous work this evening KYL/D, thank you for having me!” - AN

“Thank you KYL/D for the transcendent show!” - SS

(Instagram Video): “Kun-Yang Lin Dancers presenting a beautiful program at Annenberg Center Live...Thanks for sharing your amazing work with our audiences!” - CG

“Remarkable performances by the Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers” - LBM

“Congrats to all on a triumphant concert” - LW

“Congratulations on a well-wrought program and a memorable and beautiful new work. It reminded me of some of Paul Taylor’s best work when I was at Orchestra of St. Luke’s – only with Kun-Yang’s own inimitable artistry. Bravo all around!” - BR

“CONGRATULATIONS on a spectacular program and premiere at Annenberg last week! Absolutely beautiful work, my friend.” - BR

“I had the pleasure of meeting you at the luncheon hosted by the Annenberg Center staff to review the plans the upcoming 2019/2020 season. I also had the pleasure of being in the audience for the 2pm matinee on the same day. I just wanted to share with you how much I enjoyed your choreography and the talent and dedication of your dancers. The show was very thoroughly inspiring and entertaining. Continued success to you and your company.” - IC

“Wonderful performance last night! ” - T-WE

“Thank you so much for the opportunity to see KYLD in action. Wow! The dancers, choreography, and afternoon were just magical! Thank you again for thinking of me. Looking forward to moving dance education forward with you!” - SH (Arts Education Consultant with the SDP)

“Just came back from your matinee performance today and could not wait to tell you how magnificent the show was! The dancers were so top quality and each piece was unique and inspiring. The costumes and the lighting just added the finishing touch! Kudos to everyone involved!” PS

“Your dancers are so very talented...Really fantastic work! Just a note on your premier piece, it was incredibly lovely. Such a burst of color, sensation, energy, and imagery. It was truly memorizing, the opening was breathtaking, really intriguing. I definitely saw Nijinsky elements in there. You take the piece in so many new and different directions, it was fascinating to see where it was going, to experience the journey. It was a true expression of spring, you have your own Rite of Spring now :-) and it was beautiful! Just loved it... Thanks for the experience.” CC

“I am a subscriber of Annenberg Center for over 30 years, your show is one of the best shows I have seen... Thank you!!” -Anonymous

“it was such a beautiful collection of works. Spring 101 was so cheeky and fun! I have to say Dreamscape is most definitely my favorite of the night, though! That's my spooky-electro jam. :-) Please extend my gratitude to the whole staff for inviting me!!” – S T

“Such a beautifully detailed and emotionally laid out program!” - M M

“The show was truly amazing! And I think Mr. Lin and the dancers knew it was by the standing ovation:)” - EY

“My pleasure, truly. Fantastic performance!” - D F (Rutgers)

“Was a really good show! The dancers were strong and diverse. The choreography was wide ranging and therefore made for an interesting program. I was particularly drawn by the first and second pieces (equally), followed by the fourth and third, in that order. The final piece, Spring, had some good moments but it did not feel as cohesive as the others... just one person's preferences.” - Anonymous

“I posted very complimentary comments and a link to the Annenberg website with a brief clip of the company on Facebook to encourage others to see the company perform” - Anonymous

“The overall performance is excellent. I really like the performers and the show. The only suggestion I have is that the performance is a little too abstract for me. I couldn't understand what message the show would like to convey (I believe this is my own problem). The best show I've ever seen from your group is the one about the shooting accident in Orlando. Even though that was an unfortunate accident, but I could feel the spirit from the performance.” - Anonymous

“I loved: the synchronous movement, that I sat closely enough to hear dancers breathe, the mix of strength and fluidity of movement - like the juxtaposition of rock and water and that the dancers’ expressions showed their seriousness but also the fun they were having on stage.” - Anonymous

“I really enjoyed the performance, I saw bits of Buddhism, praying as part of the dance and I loved, loved the music, wish there was a soundtrack, perfect alignment of music and dance. Thanks for a wonderful show" -Artie

“First time seeing the company and enjoyed the performance very much.” - Anonymous

“The performance I saw on Saturday is still very much in my thoughts. It was inspiring, beautiful, and energizing. It was a real break from ordinary life, and refreshed me in a way that only real artistry can. I look forward to seeing KYL/D again, hopefully soon, and hopefully regularly. The company has a unique vision and energy that I would like to experience much more.” - Anonymous

“Loved it. One of best dance recitals I’ve seen.” - Anonymous

“It was breathtaking! I enjoyed it” - Anonymous

“Enjoyed the performance, as did my wife which was the really important issue. Dancers were great. Bravo to everyone involved!” - Anonymous

“absolutely awesome I was entranced” - Anonymous

“Amazing grace, variety in different works, creative, unique. Would definitely attend future performances. Loved it!” - Anonymous

“Flawless! Great to have such quality company in Philadelphia.” - Anonymous

“Enjoyed the performance for the variety of styles, performers' skills, music and diversity of dancers”-Anonymous

“The performance was wonderful. So many emotions expressed by dance.” - Anonymous

“The entire performances were incredible, will not have a problem about going to any other shows.”- Anonymous

“I *loved* the premiered piece (last in the program). Generally, I resonated with the more recent work more than the older one.” - Anonymous

“Absolutely brilliant. We loved it! When is the next performance??” - Anonymous

“The performances somehow get better and better every year!” - Anonymous

“This was one of the best dance performances I have seen. It brought me to tears.” - Anonymous

“Truly World Class Performance and company.” - Anonymous

“My heartfelt congratulations on the success of the season! It was a gorgeous show” - David Harrison

“Every piece was so full of such refined gestures and exquisitely masterful in its artistry. The music was so so uplifting, I loved the Baroque selections. The synergy between the artists was palpable. The dancers were so engaged in their solos, duets and group pieces. It was the best representation of Kun-Yang Lin's signature choreography, which is so prized for his rich understanding of the powerful control behind the art of nuanced expressive movements and gestures. All the dancers got it while we as the audience also got it! “ -EG

“world class dance troupe!!”

“I loved seeing the entirety of Spring 101, and the two friends I brought with me, who have not seen KYL/D perform yet, told me they both thought the entire performance was gorgeous (I agree!)” – H B

“KYLD at the Annenberg was a powerful and engaging show!” - Anonymous

“Didn't like the 3rd piece before intermission but really liked all the others.” - Anonymous

“Absolutely loved the first half--felt spiritually uplifted, even having seen the performances in different venues over different years. The dancers are tremendous: so heartening, too, to see such growth. Also enjoyed simply watching the audience's response in this venue (several around me hadn't seen KYL/D before, being Annenberg subscribers who 'took at chance.') Still mulling over the last piece.” - Anonymous

“I thought it was incredible. I immediately recommended seeing KYL/D to a young dancer in New York.” -Anonymous

“Loved it. Love the intensity. Love the look into another culture. Love the different type of dance.” -Anonymous

“The last piece was my favorite” - Anonymous

“I loved the show! The dancers have excellent technique and expression. The choreography was pleasant to watch and similar to my own style of dance.” - Anonymous

“I was immediately drawn in the the space and movement. The dancers are incredible and the choreography engaging.” - Anonymous

“The program was a jewel that encapsulated artistry, technique, and creativity beyond any reasonable expectation. The performance provided a spiritual journey into the wonders of the human being through the use of the human body. This exploration was a unique adventure where a united body, mind, and spirit moved through time and space while breathing as a single organism, and thereby enticed the audience to participate in the production of an extraordinary life-changing experience for all.” - Anonymous

“Best dance performance ever! I saw my culture in the dance and it's so impressive. Love the performance!” - Anonymous

“I loved the uplifting and joyful quality of Spring 101. The variety of the programming was excellent.” -Anonymous

“After following every performance since 2009, this debut at the Annenberg with the premiere was a world class performance! I invited eighteen people and everyone agrees. Congratulations Kun-Yang and Dancers!!! Exceptional . Bravo!! I hope everyone who missed it can get another chance somehow to see it.” -E G

Tour Feedback

"My wife & I are both big fans of Alvin Ailey & Martha Graham.... going to many of the dance shows at HACC & I think last night's was the best i've seen with Casa there. The choreography was provocative & very original." — Audience member at HACC

"the work is some of the most deep, interesting and provocative work we have done here. " — Presenter, Live at Rose Lehrman

"You're just transcended to a different place. It's a spiritual journey and yet at the same time it's quite physical" - Roni Koresh of Koresh Dance Company

Faith Project/The Door (2018) Audience Feedback

"I saw creation and destruction
Of lives
Of cities
Of communities
And breaking down the walls of yes, symbols of faith but more of our inner barriers I saw the question of confronting our demons
Struggling with our greatest fears.
You personally, within the dancers, and asking the audience
For the thing that we love and fear are exactly the same thing
And that is LOVE at its purest state
Religion creates a structure or a vehicle for believing in something greater than you
For the world
For loving your purpose of existence
But when you are so clear and sure about your greater purpose than the structure for faith is no longer externalized.
It's internal- and that is KNOWING!
I see you going deeper
Keep digging
I always like to ask myself before I dance, " where is the devil?"
Because I find my most honest and pure self that can never be defined by words
Only KNOWING
I am honored to be a part of the history of your work and company. And just so you know your work has great ripples and I am watching and making the ripples pool out into the whole world the way I know it needs to."

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"I was on the edge of my seat during the entire performance last night. I just loved Dedication and was honored to be in the audience as the 10th anniversary transition was made. Nikolai was wonderful.”

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“The Door was stunning. Kimerer's presentation was so interesting and a powerful introduction. Having been to one of the Studio events, it was really exciting to see the work in its entirety.”

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“I like the partnering a lot! And the real-time special effects graphics were great! Thank you for sharing your gifts with our community."

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"Profound and beautiful - an absolutely stunning production. Bravo!"

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"I LOVED the dance performance Saturday afternoon. Thank you for alerting me to this group. While some of the 'spiritual' meaning/references of the dance went over my head, just the choreography itself was amazing, and 'scenes' from it are still in my head. So beautiful. I have never seen multimedia used as effectively as it was in this performance. It was a 'genius' idea both in concept and execution."

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"Oh my goodness gracious!!! I was so blown away by the show last night! You all were beyond wonderful!"

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"Bravo! Brilliant. Honored to bear witness to this extraordinary work."

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"May prayer reward your hard work, deep thought search, and exquisite beauty. Thank you for your grace."

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"FANTASTIC... Such GRACEFUL ARTICULATE expression motion and dance... PEACE AND LOVE"

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"Power and beauty"

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"Can I just say how AMAZINGLY IMPRESSED I am with the High-Quality Performance of Kun-Yang Lin and his dancers. The agility, stamina, technique, strength and inner power it takes to perform such a beautiful and intense showcase in front of a packed audience at the Prince Theater.”

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“I apprenticed with Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers when I was a Dance Minor at Boyer College of Music and Dance, Temple University and I cannot tell you how excited and happy I am for the beauty that KYLD creates every single year and every single day.

Also shout out to Annielille Gavino and the rest of the ensemble, which includes some of the most inspirational movement artists the world has seen. YOU ALL ARE AMAZING, PASSIONATE, & BOLD!"

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"I feel so lucky. Tonight, I saw Kun-Yang Lin’s Faith Project/The Door. It was a beautiful combination of strength, sensitivity, acute and delicate detail, and sweeping force. Visually stunning with a powerful score. To see dancers sustain their presence and poise for 60+ minutes is humbling and inspiring. What a blessing to have been able to share in the journey with KYL/D. Thank you!"

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"exquisite and enthralling"

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"Congratulations to Kun-Yang Lin and his beautiful dancers for a great performance 👏👏👏 , and a shout out to Alyssandra Docherty for an amazing lighting design, and all that were involved (projection, music, all the foundations, and individuals that made it happen) 🙏, please go and support and enjoy this wonderful work. Bravo"

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"SO AMAZING!!!!!!!!!! I was blown away... I just had to tell you how moved I was. Bravo to you. Your collaborators, and the dancers."

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"It was incredible!!!! KYL/D kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire show, even the moments where the dancers were moving slow I could feel the immense sensations and energies spewing out of their bodies. The dancers morphing into the imagery backdrops was so captivating, this collaboration brought the piece to a completely new world. I plan to continue to see this company perform!"

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"The imagery was stunning!"

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"What a joy and fun challenge to switch my brain space back into the world of dance, and I’m grateful for the trust and commitment I received from the creative team and the inspiring dancers.”

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"Heaps of congratulations to cast, collaborators, and staff, to Ken and Kun-Yang Lin!! May you bask in the glow of the gift you have given!"

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"It was the greatest dance performance ever. Kudos to all who helped put this together, loved all 3 performances. May God continue to bless you all"

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"Thank you, Kun-Yang Lin, it was an emotional performance, your committed and talented dancers translated your vision beautifully!"

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"Go see it! It's 1000% worth the experience. The quality of movement from each dancer dug into my soul. The elements of light, projection, and sound were all in harmony with the performers. Awesome work on the part of KYL/D and all those involved in the Faith Project. It's all around PHENOMENAL.”

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"Powerful and stunning .... A must see show this weekend"

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"Amazing performance that we had the pleasure of attending, Evalina Wallis Cain Carbonell was phenomenal"

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"It was beautiful and moving - I could watch it over and over!"

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"Beautiful dancing"

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"Congratulations to Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers ... you absolutely rocked it this weekend... enthralled, beautiful...or those that missed these performances ... keep your eye out... and get out to see this troupe... proud to know all of you."

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"Gorgeous performance!"

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"Those were not tears running down my cheeks. It was allergies. Yea, yea that's what it was... allergies. #music and my interpretation had me like 😢😢😭🙂 Brava, Keila Perez- Vega. It was a beautiful presentation."

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Fantastic work of art!"

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"Very enjoyable performance! And I look forward to the next one!"

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"Dedication made me feel in ways I haven’t felt in a long time. I can’t explain it. I was almost in tears."

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“memorable performance.”

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"Last night's premiere of "Faith Project: The Door" was beyond spectacular. I loved the expansive vocabulary of the dance...to the unpredictable (but seamlessly connected and absolutely gorgeous) music; to the tremendous variations of tempo and intensity and volume and pace (from stillness to freneticism of both the dance and the music); and the spectacularly coordinated/integrated color palettes of costumes and lighting, both of which were sensuous and completely complementary to each other. I also loved the multimedia elements. They supported and enhanced the stage work without ever dominating it (or, worse, without ever supplementing for whatever was lacking, which is too often its role in dance)."

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"The show was spectacular. Really beautiful and thought provoking"

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"Was so impressed and happy about the performance last night, congratulations!"

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"I enjoyed the performance on many levels. I thought so many parts of it were exquisite... still digesting"

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"It was a spectacular vision you shared with us, great performance"

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"Last night seeing “The Door” was absolutely STUNNING. The dancers, multimedia and performance and artistry were PHENOMENAL”

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I’ve been seeing KYL/D work for years and last night seeing all of the beautiful and inspirational teachers and peers of the Philly dance community was quite special. Thank you, Kun-Yang, for dancing from a place where not only hardcore dance is honored, but the importance of friendship, community and respect are all cultivated into a holistic experience!"

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"I'm still thinking about your brilliant performance! Ps. Your movements were simultaneous, synchronous, and visually compelling! 😱”

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"My family (including a 12-year-old) and myself enjoyed this wonderfully, emotionally charged performance. Thank you!!"

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“I have had a subscription to Dance Affiliates for over 20 years so I have seen a lot of contemporary dance which I love. Thursday’s performance was one of the best I have ever seen. The precision, the music, the creative movement were all so in sync that it blew me away.

I was in awe and gasped when the fellow who flipped over in one of the most interesting moves I have ever seen!! Every dancer was so talented, agile and expressive.

I loved the costumes- gender neutral and interesting. The music was wonderful and all the dancing fit it perfectly. My question- Which comes first the music or the dance??? Such synergy!!!

I look forward to your next performance" 

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“星期六进城看林昆阳舞蹈团本季新作:信仰工程/门。非常享受,我尤其喜欢现代舞, 表达纯粹和抽象的概念,向音乐靠拢。你们团太棒了![偷笑]”
Translation: Visited the city of Philadelphia on Saturday specifically for KYL/D's Home season - Faith Project/The DOOR. I really enjoyed it. I like watching contemporary dance because of its abstract concept, authentic embodiment, and the connection with the music. What a great company and team!!!

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“演员们跳得非常好，舞台效果也很棒。很精彩的演出!虽然不太懂他们用动作表 情传达的每一个细节，但还是能被很多环节感染到，缠绕，痛苦，挣扎，蜕变 ......Zoe 也看得津津有味 谢谢老师的推荐，我们都很喜欢这次现代舞的表演!” Translation: All the of the dancers are amazing; and the setting, lighting and the projection were so beautiful! What a fabulous show!!! Although I could not understand fully every movement and details, I was so moved by the atmosphere happening onstage. I felt the feelings of struggle, pain, transformation, etc. My daughter Zoe also enjoyed watching it so much. Thank you for your recommendation about this show. We all liked this performance!

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“感谢你们带给观众一场触动心灵的演出。期待下一次!” Translation: Thank you so much for bringing such as heart-felt performance to us. Looking forward to the new work next time!

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“今天的演出非常精彩!之前对舞剧的讲解及之后的讨论都非常棒!帮助观众更好 的理解舞剧和了解舞者的付出。整场演出为大家呈现了一个现代文艺的盛宴!祝演出成功!” Translation: The performance was extremely marvelous. The curtain speech and the talk back were very helpful for us to understand the dance. Also, it helped us know how much effort the whole team dedicated into the process of this piece. The entire show felt very contemporary and cultural. Congrats!

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“林坤阳导演的舞蹈，展现了不同文化背景下人们对宗教的理解和追求，穿梭在不 同信仰间会有门吗?如果有，那门会是什么呢?如果面前有这样的一扇门，你确信 你敢穿过去吗?演出很精彩，座无虚席，祝贺美女指导!” [得意] Translation: Kun-Yang's dance embodied a holy religious belief of people who have diverse cultural backgrounds through their journey of life. After watching the dance, I asked myself: "Is there a 'door' among various religions? If there is, what would that be? If there is a 'door' right in front, will you be brave enough to knock and go through?"

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“Congratulations and thank you for a great performance!!”

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“I have seen a lot of dance, and I mean A LOT of dance, but this is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.”

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“I am so very proud of my former students and dancers Frankie and Keila! They were fabulous in the Kun-Yang Lin Dancers’ show. I was inspired as a choreographer, dancer, rehearsal director and teacher. The company was amazing and looked like a well-oiled machine. Kun-Yang you did an exceptional job and you truly are a visionary. The multimedia, the score, the dancers, the ambiance, the lights: Gestalt!!!! Bravo”

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“Faith Project/The Door was one of the most satisfying events I had been to in a long time. It left me almost without words. My friend loved the performances as well. I actually wanted to see it again but Sat. Night only offered extreme seating. That was good news."

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“I think I was most impressed by 3 things - in no particular order -
1) the way in which Kun-Yang blended some of the characteristic traits of the dancers into one whole - I saw many of the same movements they were employing in the fall -
2) the control of the dancers - I haven't attended a great many dance programs, and usually have a view from a distant balcony - watching their movement was a Wow!
3) seeing what to me were some of the universal themes of our faith traditions - the play of individuals/communities - the place of compassion - etc. - the movements which went along with the picture shared today called up the beautiful compassion of Kuan Yen - last fall I shared an image of Avalokiteshvara and the manner in which she received several heads and multiple arms - and unlike the guest from Harrisburg, I saw the arms of the group catching Weiwei as an act of compassion - not as the tormenting of Jesus -

And of course, I recognize that we all see (to some extent) what we bring with us to the performance. Blessings to each of you”

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“I was able to see the show on Friday night and it was exceptional. I thoroughly enjoyed getting a glimpse into the process as I am very intrigued with religion and how people gravitate and up hold different spiritual values and how that intersects with people of various faiths. The movement captured me and really took me on a journey. I am so inspired and humbled by your work, your process, and how you are able to craft art. The multi- media aspect was amazing and just added so many layers to the project as well as the score! The Dedication solo really touched my heart and was very emotional. I could watch it 10 more times! Bravo for a job well done! I kept telling everyone to go see it and all the people I have talked to said how much they enjoyed the show!!!! Thank you for your artistry I hope to work with you at some point”

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“I was enthralled...the whole performance. Never been so close...to see individual expressions...the forcefulness of bodily movement...the meditative stance. And now, to be able to “remember” some of this with videos posted on your website! I will revisit often. I love your work! And thank each of you for what you are manifesting”

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“My Dear Kun Yang, I remember so well the first time I ever saw your work. Ruth Grauert and I went up to that loft in NYC down on Broadway to meet you and Ken, and what ensued was a spiritual experience. When I saw those people enter as one body, taking little tiny steps and murmuring as they worked their beads or their rosaries. I was captured. They were all so sensitive to each other yet fully committed to their own being. Up to that point I had never seen anyone but Nikolais achieve that state of performance with a group of dancers.

And there was such a strong spirituality, I knew I would be a fan of yours for life.
The thing is that you have not strayed from the path you were on. You've always been true to yourself. You've worked very hard, and now you have dancers who can do anything you ask them to - they really are magnificent. And the artists with whom you collaborate are superb. But what gratifies me so much to see, is that the core of you is still there and that it would not be jarring to see the original band of dancers enter The Door murmuring and stepping along.

One of my favorite Dances I've ever seen is "Dedication." The first time I ever saw it was in a place near City Hall and that memory stays with me as well. When I think of it I feel as if I do it with you. I was blessed to see you do that dance a few times. It was very big of you to give that dance to Mo, and he did it honorably, and I'm so glad that he has stuck with you. He is an amazing combination of a brilliant technician with a very beautiful and tender soul, and you are the perfect choreographer for him.

Well, Kun Yang, I adore you-you brilliant artist and lovable man. Thank you for letting me come around - It keeps my soul alive.”

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“Dear Ken Metzner and Kun-Yang Lin – Saw the performance last Friday (Premiere – Faith Project/The Door!) Really tremendous and energizing, as well as peaceful. Congratulations.”

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“At one point, I stopped thinking and I only felt in my body. During one section, I felt the sunrise and I started to smile, but I didn't know why. The way the music, set and choreography combined created a sensation in me and my body just responded to it"

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"Favorite KYL/D show. Ever."

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“Freakin’ Incredible”

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“Moving and powerful. So glad I got to see it”

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“The more I see professional contemporary dance, the more I realize how much I enjoy Kun-Yang’s work over all other companies”

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“What an amazing performance!! One of the best I have seen”

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Summary of Student Reflections on Faith Project

“I experienced a highly visceral reaction through my whole body that I had not unlocked in a while from witnessing a dance work...In many moments, my body and senses became overwhelmed, and I felt a connection to a strong power (similar to how I feel in the presence of the congregation and Torah in synagogue)... All elements of the production came together in a way that supported and brought upon these feelings in myself. The projections that spanned the entire cyc and space of the stage suggested an extraordinary force consuming the dancers. The flowing and malleable white costumes acted as canvases at times and suggested a sense of openness to spirit. The powerful, stunning score ranging from a staccato rhythm to a light string reminded me of the sense of emotional release I feel after the Amidah (a Jewish prayer that includes a section of personal reflection as its conclusion). The dancers’ energy that flowed from bound to free and back again and again referenced the cyclical patterns in a relationship with religion.”

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“This show was a spectacular amalgamation between dancers and a vast variety of members of the faith community, which I came to appreciate even more through the discussion and video before the start of the piece... It peaked my curiosity as an audience member to want to explore what exists beyond my realm of knowledge for my new community of Philadelphia and what the dancers personally brought to the table from their own background and connected to for the faith discussions...

Overall, this was an evening that took every audience member on their own journey within themselves, their life experiences in relationship to religions both know and unknown. For myself I saw the parts of faith and religion that I hold dear to me, and the belief of connection on a larger scale to bring joy, goodness and understanding. As well as the violence, hate and misunderstanding that can pollute religions from the outside and from within and how to grow and heal these wounds. I struggle to identify personally with one religious background when I find value in so many of the teachings. This made me hungry and curious to know more and to take a look inside myself to find what is blocking me from finding a less superficial connection to spirituality in my everyday life. I left the theatre feeling as if i had been invited to be the recipient of a divine gift and what I do next, or where I go from here will be my own faith project. What happened on stage is meant to be carried with us, to bloom into an endless number of possibilities that all started with this small, yet significant thought of faith.”

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Not to be missed performance! Perfect in every way. Get tickets now! You will thank me as my friend did who I shlepped to the performance last night. She is still talking about how wonderful it was today. And guess what? So am I”

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“powerful and breathtaking...a spiritually moving and thought-provoking piece.”

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“When we think of religion, there are so many different beliefs and “gods” people pray to, but seeing every dancer share the same energy on stage showed me that we as citizens can let go of those strong beliefs to co-exist as one humanity...
Although my feelings were very internal, the movement and energy from the dancers gave me a sense of involvement. Another theme for me was letting go, knocking all those boundaries, differences, and walls down that religion can unconsciously form...”

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“Going into seeing “Faith Project/The Door”, I was unsure how I would interpret the piece or feel about it as someone who doesn’t associate myself with one particular religion. However, that uncertainty melted away as soon as the piece began. The movement and energy of the dancers was elevated, and reached beyond their bodies as if towards a higher power or meaning. I thought about what draws people to practice faith, and what unifies faiths, and I realized that this idea of something higher and bigger is the common factor in the many different religions around the world...I really enjoyed the ending of the piece, where all the dancers sat in a meditative state and slowly rocked back and forth, completely immersed in whatever internal process they were having. It was peaceful and beautiful in its simplicity, and really tied the piece together.”

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“The dancers resembled a group of travelers exploring different sections of the world together. I felt that I was taken on a journey with the dancers travelling through deserts and caves... I could see hints of the interpreted religious values. It was very interesting to see how the movements seemed to take on ancient or tribal qualities which brought my imagination back to the beginnings of religion or how it all began. In other words, the travelers not only traveled throughout the world, but they seemed to travel through time, as well. As the travelers faced the center of the stage and formed a circle, they sat on their knees, banged their fists on the ground, and stomped rhythmically around their fellow passenger dancing in the middle. This image was very striking and immediately drew my mind to the idea of community and rituals. It made me wonder what religion or ritual, space, and time this moment had been drawn from.”

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“I had been expecting an assault of religion only to be lulled into a state of contemplation. I feared there would be dictation and direct representations of the religion that divides my family, yet I found myself admiring the beauty of abstraction... It created an environment of peace and resolution that ensured every person got to the “ending” they saw fit, regardless of the beliefs they held prior. My mom always said religion should be treated as though it’s one hill with many paths, and this work embodied this concept. The fact the dancers and movements symbolized different religions felt like a genuine reflection of the various religions represented in society today. The reprise of familiar movements with a softer background sparked my inclination towards a death or passing of sorts. Yet, it was the true ending, where all the dancers sat practically motionless, that triggered my connection to all people ending up in the same place. One hill, many paths.”

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“As someone who is agnostic, and not particularly religious, I was unsure what I was going to see going into this. I was appreciative of the video in the beginning because it introduced the multiple religions and faiths that we would be exposed to. It calmed my mind and stopped me from over analyzing the specific religions represented in the dance. The video also allowed me to see the dancers in a more personal setting so when they entered the stage, I was able to see more than just bodies... The lights and projection were truly stunning and helped support the dancing without being overwhelming. The moments that the dancer(s) were downstage in a silhouette highlighted the movements itself. The video being projected on the dancers presented the wall that we put up around one another who may have a different faith or religion. The pounding seemed to be the dancers breaking down those walls and blending their ideas and beliefs. The end section when the music lightens, and the dancers begin to fall into one another really represented a resolution to me. The dancers have begun to help one another and understand the different perceptions and philosophies.”

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“I loved that the audience got a look into the creative process. ...It was awesome that we had the opportunity to see all that really goes into creating a great show, before even seeing the show... I think the point that the choreographer was trying to get across was that we are all the same. Religion teaches us to ultimately be good people, no matter the religion that one chooses to practice. We can be different in that way but that doesn’t mean that we can’t be present for one another. There is hope for people. There is light. There can be understanding. This piece had a great message and interesting process which helped to create a great show. I’m so happy that had the opportunity to experience it.”

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“I found this show very moving and impacting. The piece brought all different religions together with movement and grace. Being a person of faith I was eager to see this show... The video in the beginning was a great idea and set the tone for Faith Project... This video showcased the dancers asking a scholar questions of religion with a Q&A type of format, this allowed me to view the dancers on a more personal level.

There were so many moments of pure beauty through this piece... When the dancers were behind the silks dancing with light shining on them; it showcased beautiful figures. I loved seeing this because you did not know what race they may have been, gender or religion. It was just simply beauty within dance and the dancer....

It’s a beautiful thing when dance brings everyone together and the Faith Project brought and welcomed all religions together in a safe space to witness art.”

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“The work expressed honesty and conviction. It explored spirituality through the acknowledgement of various religions. It reached out to not just the common religions in America but many different faiths from many different cultures and walks of life. Despite the diversity in background of the individuals involved in the Faith Project the final product came together in an inspiring blend of a phenomenal musical score, persuasive lighting, reflective projection images, and striking movement.... The end took the beginning and softened it. Violence became empathy; division became unity. The work settled with a satisfying conclusion and left me feeling renewed.”

SANTUARio / SANCTUARY (2017) AUDIENCE FEEDBACK

"I wanted badly to finish the sketches of Santuario and fully re-experience the image that was left in my mind at the end of the dance. The image of the entire ensemble, men and women, taking their shirts off in a line and the motion that I witnessed, chaotic and emotional, which happened behind them earlier reminded me of Raphael's Transfiguration painting after taking an Italian Renaissance Class at University of Pennsylvania."

“Thanks so much to all of you! So moving and beautiful - We will continue to spread the word - Until next time”

“Thank you for sharing your company's lovely and humanely important work.”

“Thank you, Kun-Yang, and the brilliant company for a beautiful and moving experience. It will live in me”

"Bravo bravo! Tonight's World Premiere was astounding, passionate, intense, impactful and so emotionally engaging. I was in tears when I left with feelings of sadness, pain, hurt, confusion and turmoil that was demonstrated so artistically by the Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers, yet the takeaway of LOVE which implies forgiveness was a message that help heal and soothe the emotions that were emerged. I congratulate Kun-Yang Lin and his dancers for using this format to share this trauma, but express a positive outcome of love and forgiveness so we can move, breathe and look beyond gender, race and seek ways to change racist behavior, change violent exchanges, to see all mankind as equal and seek spiritual healing. Thank you for Sanctuary.”

"Friends, I just saw Kun-Yang Lin's SANCTUARY and it was incredibly moving. ONE: Immortal Game starts the show with crisp choreographic metaphors, and SANTUARIO closes it out with shocking power - it's disturbing yet beautiful. This is definitely a show to take home with you. Go see it!”

“This is an incredibly powerful show. Take the time a check it out this weekend at the Prince Theater.”

“Absolutely stunning performance from Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers. A must see event this weekend!”

“This is honestly one of my favorite shows come into existence. Every time I've gotten the chance to sit in on rehearsal I find it very hard not to burst into tears. It is going to be absolutely incredible. Everyone should come see it!”

“CONGRATS!!!”

“Went last night to the opening at Prince Theatre (BTW traffic was not an issue). Blown away with emotion and awe. The mastery of movement, the music and the lighting created a first class experience of theatrical contemporary dance at its best.”

“Philadelphians time to go!!! and see what your local KYL/D troupe has to say about life's challenging times. Reading and watching news clips last year about the awful targeted shooting in the Pulse night club only becomes truly real through the brilliantly choreographed vision of Kun-Yang. A suspended succession of profound moments that touches your heart for all humanity and certainly speaks to the vulnerability of the LGBT community."

"Beyond amazing! This show will stay with me for a long time!"

"I saw the unity of Daoism in the first part, and the kindness of Humanism in the second part.”

“I always feel that dancing is such a beautiful art format, it can simply shake your soul through soundless movements. KYL/D did it last night, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who's feel the running tears on my face."

“Last night's Kun-Yang Lin/ Dancers' concert was great. Santuario is best dance I have ever seen! Touched my heart and soul! Everyone should go see it this weekend at Prince Theater!"

“Extraordinary, thought-provoking, dynamic and exciting. So wonderful. And I loved the costumes.”

“Thank you and your beautiful dance company for a very moving performance Saturday afternoon. As you saw, I was moved to tears. "Sanctuary" was so powerful, and beautifully performed. Thank you all for "resisting", as the saying goes since the election, and speaking out as best you know how... with your bodies and your grace. I look forward to your next performance in Philadelphia.”

“You're all amazing and inspiring. I aspire to perform as well as you. Can't wait to take class at KYL/D asap!”

“Intense, inspiring, thought provoking”

“Loved the performance. Technically talented and very empowering dancing. Words cannot describe the 2nd act- You captured so much emotion and made it into art.”

“Dramatic, exciting, innovative, empowering.”

“Stunning, stirring and haunting performance. Congratulations to Kun-Yang Lin, KYL/Dancers, staff, Ken Metzner, and board!”

“Congratulations all; beauty and hope are your messages. What better prospect than that?”

“Beautiful!!”

“Please let the company know how beautifully I think they'll performed Saturday night! Their performance was stellar, and the choreography was so moving and well crafted”

“Kudos Kun-Yang! How wonderful that you're doing this work.”

“If you are able to make it to see the last showing of this amazing piece please do!!!! It's is a memorable and touching performance”

“Go see it!”

“Many thanks to our friends at KYL/D for creating this powerful work."

“You guys were great! Congratulations to all!”

“You articulated this beautifully, as we experienced everything you said, too! Was is Jessica who said the audience is in your care? You, as artists, took us on the journey with you...I am blessed to have witnessed it twice! All of your performances will be forever in my heart!”

“I’m still seeing images from your performances. Beauty and horror combined in my mind”

“Kimberly enjoyed it so much, she had tears in her eyes” 

“...moving, inspirational, thought-provoking piece”

“Amazing show”

“You don’t want to miss this experience”

“One of, if not the best dance concert I have ever seen!! Do not miss it if you like dance”

“You are were truly inspiring!”

“When Arts and Charity meet, it’s a beautiful thing”

“Absolutely heart wrenchingly gorgeous amazing visually stunning performance by Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers. I am so lucky to know you beautiful people. Thank you for that performance.” 

“Beautiful people, beautiful art in motion”

“It was a wonderful and powerful performance. Few dances I have ever seen touched me the way Santuario did. Bravo to all!”

“Just Wow”

“Congratulations on a successful home season run. I was able to catch Saturday evening's show, and as usual, I was equally impressed with the company's technical prowess as I was with your bravery and candor in tackling some of the heaviest political issues of our time. Thanks for an engaging and striking performance!”

“What a great show!”

“Friday night was wonderful. People around me were saying it was the strongest work yet.”

“All performers did a fantastic job during both routines at Prince Theatre, thanks again for that.  I also wanted to make mention that part of what made SANTUARIO so powerful was the segment that the dancers were displaying emotions to the aftermath of the shooting.  Jessica's blood curdling screams were reminiscent to a horror production which captured the events vividly.”

“I attended Thursday night's show and was breath taken. Confronting the divide that is prevalent in society today and answering with love and acceptance is a message that I can really resonate with.”

“Powerful.  As always, the athleticism of that troupe is amazing.  I thought the words at the end of the second piece weren't necessary, we already were there with the movement."

“It was such an absolute pleasure to experience your work."

“Fantastic Show!”

“Santuario is devastatingly beautiful. I appreciated how present I was with the individual humans as well as the ensemble.  A diverse and gorgeous cast, with a lot to say with their bodies - energy well spent towards urgent purpose.  Thank you”

“Thank you so much. We both loved it!!! Geoff cried during Santuario”

“I was blown away by Santuario. ‘Love can't stop a bullet. A bullet can't stop love.’”

“The KYL/D show...was FANTASTIC and haunting. Dance was so expressive it became a document of emotions.”

“It was phenomenal!! I was literally in a trance watching the performers”

“Every movement is timed perfectly and done deliberately. Even if there is no music, dancers still move as one! It is so emotionally charged; even if you're not ‘into’ Modern dance, You. Will. Be. Moved!”

“Even days later, the show still is having an impact on me.”

“Temple Friends and Everyone I know in Philly, if you have not had the chance to see Kun-Yang Lin's dance company performance this weekend at the Prince Theater, it's a must see! This is the kind of art that changes people and makes the world a better place!!!! ... You need to GO! It will make you look at art and dance in a whole new way!”

“You all were so hot you set the fire alarm off :) Keep it up!”

“We loved it and highly recommend to anyone to attend one of the performances.”

“Wanted to tell you that I am still thinking about the dances i saw on April 27! They were amazing especially "Santuario" which was stunning and meaningful on so many levels. I was especially aware of the visual effects of the dancer's movements and the lighting.... everything worked so well together and was astounding!! The group posings at the end reminded me of Renaissance paintings, including the Last Supper.”

“Best modern dance piece I’ve ever seen”

“Had the privilege of seeing the performance on Saturday as a gift from my daughter. It was truly magnificent”

“Thank you for allowing me to be your guest at last nights’ performance. I am sorry I could not stay to congratulate everyone after the performance...I really was pleased to see the company as it has been several years since I was able to attend. I enjoyed the dancers and the dancing, as well as the choreographic concepts. It is amazing there is so much wonderful dance here in the city and all so very different. It certainly proves NYC doesn’t own dance and Philadelphia is second to none, your program proved that. So thank you again for my ticket and for all you do. Congratulations to all the dancers”