KYL/D History

"Lin's broad choreographic ambitions surf unabashedly across influences... His work evolved a personal style that combines elements of his traditional heritage in unexpected ways...As viewers, we can participate in an exchange of energy that forges new alliances and reevaluates fixed relationships. We are invited into an inspiring microlaboratory wherein culturally imposed barriers of race and personal history are blown open. This trope of inclusiveness suggests a metaphor able to renegotiate what ethnographer Clifford Geertz has called our "fluid, plural, uncentered, and ineradicably untidy modern lives."

---Chris Dohse, Volume 16, Issue 25, New York Press

1994-96

Collective group of talented dancers gather together and start the journey of KYL/D. Kun-Yang Lin moved to United States as part of the Outstanding Artist Fellowship from the National Endowment of the the Arts from Taiwan. The company rehearsed, practiced and created at Central Park, South Street Seaport, Taipei Cultural Center or any accessible public place. The founding members of the unofficial dance company include:

Kun-Yang Lin – founding director, performer, and choreographer
Adam Klotz – with the company 2004-2008
Kori Darling (Member of Momix)
Chiu Yen Lui (Member of Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan)
Zhou Yi (Member of Twyla Tharp)
Fan-Yi Hsu (International Star and former principal dancer of Martha Graham dance company)

1998-1999

The collective KYL/Dancers gave its first full evening length production of Kun-Yang Lin’s work, debuting in NYC and Taiwan as KyLin’s Garden. The company included: Adam Klotz, Fan-Yi Hsu, Kun-Yang Lin, Run Ping Wang (later member of Jose Limon) and members of Mary Anthony Dance Theater. Jennifer Dunning of New York Times reviews the performance.

2002

Taipei Theatre – Company officially forms. Company members include: Adam Klotz, Kun-Yang Lin, Chi Tsung Kuo, Valerie Sudak, Kimberly Miller, Mira Kinsley.

2003

Company season at Joyce SoHo.

2004-2008

Company season at Abrons Art Center. The company tours nationally and internationally, and the New York Times calls KYL/D one of NYC’s favorite dance companies, along with Robert Battle's Battleworks and Larry Keigwin.

2006

Company incorporated in Philadelphia while rehearsing in NYC.

2007

Construction of CHI MAC, KYL/D’s permanent home, cross from the famous cheesesteak corner – Pat’s and Geno’s.

2008

Company officially relocates full time to Philadelphia, performs at Interlochoen, obtains its own permanent space for rehearsals, training, and dance creation. CHI MAC opens it doors.

2009

Presents InHale Performance Series, establishes Training project, chanting and moving improvisation, and sells out first Philadelphia home season. Establishes a three year collaboration with the Painted Bride Art Center. Painted Bride Arts Center recognizes Kun-Yang Lin with an Artists of the City Award for his unparalleled commitment to arts education, community leadership, and civic engagement.

2010

In association with Penn Medicine, NYC Mark Morris Dance Group, and Brooklyn Parkinson Group, presents Dance for PD program in South Philadelphia. Kun-Yang Lin was honored by the Mayor of Hsin Chu City of Taiwan as the “City’s Pride” and performs in honor of Taiwan’s 100 Anniversary.

2011

Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers was selected and broadcast on PBS (WHYY), Mind TV (Philadelphia), and PPS (Taiwan). Artistic Director Kun-Yang Lin was selected as a Creative Connector by Philadelphia’s leadership.

2012

City of Philadelphia’s end-of-year review names KYL/D as one of the most inspiring creative entities in the city.