Tjimur Dance Company

Tjimur Dance has been one of Taiwan's most internationally recognised dance companies for years. Their works are deeply rooted in the indigenous culture of the Paiwan, the second largest indigenous ethnic group in Taiwan.

The dance piece “X aiwan Utopia” is an interpretation of Paiwan culture from a contemporary perspective. It is a dance dialogue between the Paiwan community and its environment that shows how a culture regains its autonomy by struggling to free itself from entrenched structures. The dancers' movements, the music, the costumes - all elements appear as a mixture of traditional lore and modern, contemporary influences that seem familiar and yet surprisingly new. For example, the musical score consists of several piano pieces by Chopin accompanied by traditional Paiwan dances and the costumes combine traditional clothing with contemporary fashion and movements. The piece shows that culture is not a static object that can be exhibited, but a medium for the flow of vitality. It invites the audience to rethink their perceptions and discover the complexity of culture.