Our dance journey began with Nai-Ni Chen Dance Youth Workshop, led by Nai-Ni Chen,
our first teacher and mentor. Performing at NJPAC every Chinese New Year with her professional company shaped our earliest memories in dance. On January 25, 2020, we had
the honor of sharing the stage with Nai-Ni one final time before the global pandemic.
As an immigrant Asian American artist and choreographer, Nai-Ni devoted her life
to creating innovative works that bridge Eastern and Western cultures while mentoring generations of dancers and performers. Her choreography blends the dynamic freedom
of American modern dance with the elegance and spiritual depth of Asian art.
On December 12, 2021, Nai-Ni Chen passed away in a swimming accident while
vacationing in Hawaii. We hope the following photos and videos offer a glimpse
into her extraordinary artistry and the lasting inspiration she brought to the
dance world and to young Asian American dancers.
Nai-Ni Chen Youth Workshop Recital
Spring Breeze, choreographed by Nai-Ni
Nai-Ni Chen Youth Workshop Performance
Dance in the Tang Court
Nai-Ni Chen Youth Workshop Recital
Umbrella Dance
Nai-Ni Chen Youth Workshop Recital
Thai Dance
"My company is very diverse having dancers coming from all different culture background"
"We are many communities work together or many countries work together. "
"I think it is a way for the world to see how much she has accomplished, and how much she still brings to the world"
"We share many experiences together as Asian American artist, and as woman artist"
"We keep going keep going. Everyone has a mission and the sense of responsibility. As an artist what can we do?"
"Space is very magical on stage. When you design it well, it can deliver the idea of isolation"
"There is so much more in me that I took from Taiwan to here. when I was twenty-two years old"
"That part of me wouldn't be able to be expressed if I was just doing other people's work"
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