TAO Dance Theater is one of China's most internationally acclaimed contemporary dance companies. Founder Tao Ye was born in Chongqing, trained at the Chongqing Dance School, and went on to dance with the Shanghai Army Song & Dance Ensemble, the Shanghai Jin Xing Dance Theatre, and the Beijing Modern Dance Company. In 2008, at the age of 23, he co-founded TAO Dance Theater in Beijing together with Duan Ni and Wang Hao.
At the core of the company's work is the Circular Movement System, developed by Tao Ye under the influence of Far Eastern philosophy. It is built around the "ritualistic repetition of the body's natural movements," stripping dance back to pure body aesthetics. The company is best known for its "Numerical Series" — works titled simply by number (2 through 17) — which have toured more than 40 countries across five continents, appeared at over 100 art festivals, and were named among the world's top 10 dance performances by Time Out New York in 2014.
Tao Ye was selected as a New Wave Associate by Sadler's Wells London (2011–2013), performed at the Lincoln Center Festival in New York, and was commissioned by Cloud Gate Dance Theatre and Netherlands Dance Theatre 1. In 2023, TAO Dance Theater was awarded the Silver Lion for Dance at the Venice Biennale — one of the most prestigious honours in international contemporary dance.
Frequently asked questions about TAO Dance Theater
What dance style defines TAO Dance Theater?
The company practises contemporary dance rooted in minimalism and pure body aesthetics. Tao Ye developed the Circular Movement System, inspired by Far Eastern philosophy, which focuses on the ritualistic repetition of natural movements — free of narrative or ornamentation.
Where does TAO Dance Theater come from, and what brought them international recognition?
The company was founded in Beijing in 2008 by Tao Ye, Duan Ni, and Wang Hao. They achieved global recognition through the 'Numerical Series', shown at over 100 art festivals in more than 40 countries. In 2023 they won the Silver Lion for Dance at the Venice Biennale.
In what context does TAO Dance Theater perform — do they fit a Mallorca festival?
The company performs at the world's leading arts venues, including Sadler's Wells London, Lincoln Center New York, the Venice Biennale, and the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing. They are an ideal fit for premium cultural festivals and outdoor stages with a sophisticated audience.
