HUNG DANCE: Birdy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact, press tickets, and interview requests: NamQuyen Le, (213) 740-0483, namquyel@usc.edu; or Marie-Reine Velez, (213) 740-0483, marierev@usc.edu

USC Visions and Voices Presents

The Los Angeles Debut of

HUNG DANCE: BIRDY

Featuring choreographer and artistic director LAI Hung-ChungThursday, October 29, 2026, at 7 p.m.

Bovard Auditorium at USC

Admission is free. Reservations required.

“Creatures of a feather dance together in BIRDY, Hung Dance’s call to the wild.”—DanceHouse, Canada

USC Visions and Voices is excited to present the Los Angeles debut performance of Taiwanese dance company, HUNG DANCE! They will perform BIRDY on Thursday, October 29, at 7 p.m., at Bovard Auditorium on the University of Southern California, University Park Campus. Set to an eclectic mix of electronic and Chinese classical music, BIRDY reinterprets percussion and seamlessly blends Tai Chi with contemporary dance. 

Founded in 2017 by LAI Hung-Chung, Taiwan's HUNG DANCE fuses Peking Opera, Tai Chi, and contemporary dance for their signature movement style. They have received international recognition and toured extensively across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa. Their award-winning production BIRDY has captivated audiences worldwide, with 21 sold-out performances at Avignon OFF and a prominent spot at the 91st American Dance Festival (ADF). The piece incorporates symbolic elements such as the Ling Zi, which was often worn on warriors’ helmets in traditional Chinese opera to show the warriors’ strength and skill.  In BIRDY, the Ling Zi is used to create the image of a bird, an extension of inner feeling, and the desire to escape reality, diving into profound themes of freedom, constraint, and identity

“The themes of BIRDY—freedom and oppression, and the impact of individual actions on society’s equilibrium—are more timely and essential than ever … The piece was created in Taiwan’s specific cultural context, but it’s universally relevant as we grapple with global conflicts, the climate crisis, and our own personal responsibility.”—Gillian Jones, Dance Victoria Executive Director, Victoria News

Born from an unapologetic desire for flight, BIRDY tells the tale of tradition in the modern world, conveying a powerful message that explores the freedom and limitations within the context of Taiwan. The performance is notable for weaving Western mythology and Eastern traditions through stunning contemporary dance. With its blend of traditional and modern influences, BIRDY speaks to the human experience with a poetic intensity, offering a moving reflection on the complexities of personal and cultural expression. As a poetic response to whether “every free flight is born from a restriction”, the performance confronts contemporary issues while transforming feathers into wings —conveying a powerful message that in this era, we can redefine class, freedom, and limitations while seeking balance and identity.

"Taiwanese choreographer LAI Hung-chung continues to show he's a rising star."—Lucy Ribchester, The List 

At the heart and core of HUNG DANCE’s productions are the works of Artistic Director LAI Hung-Chung. LAI is a Taiwanese choreographer known for blending Tai Chi, Chinese opera traditions, and contemporary movement, exploring themes of freedom, identity, and human connection. His acclaimed productions have received international awards and toured worldwide. He also founded Stray Birds Dance Platform, supporting emerging choreographers and international artistic exchange. Drawing inspiration from daily life, LAI takes internal emotional and physical states, and translates them into movement. 

The one-hour performance will be followed by a reception hosted in partnership with Taiwan Academy in Los Angeles.

USC Visions and Voices and the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance invite everyone to join us for an exciting evening of connection, inspiration, and celebration! 

This event is free, but reservations are required. More information and reservations are available at visionsandvoices.usc.edu. 

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For Event Listings:

Event: HUNG DANCE: BIRDY (Los Angeles Premiere)

Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Bovard Auditorium at the University of Southern California, University Park Campus

Address: 3551 Trousdale Parkway, Los Angeles, CA 90089

More info and RSVP: http://visionsandvoices.usc.edu

Admission is free. Reservations required. 

Reception to follow.