Choreographer Gu Jiani

the effect is magnetic – even the silences leave us breathless.

Time Out Beijing

innovative…Gu is unafraid to break the rules… masterful

Huffington Post USA

About the Choreographer

About Gu Jiani

. Originating from southern China, Gu trained in ballet and classical Chinese dance. Through exploration and self-discovery, her work focuses on the relationship between visual impact, emotional impulse and physical space.

Gu previously danced with the Beijing Modern Dance Company, and has worked with such artists as Germany’s Munchner Kammerspiele on “Totally Happy” and Belgium’s Tino Sehgal in “This Variation” among others. She started to choreograph independently in 2013. Her recent project series include "Go & Nspace" and " Gu-Untitled."

Gu received awards from the 2011 and 2013 China National Centre for the Performing Arts International Choreography Competition and her works have toured throughout China. Her duet “Right & Left” was invited to the Hong Kong Arts Festival, University of Michigan, and Melbourne Festival. The Shanghai International Arts Festival “RAW” Program commissioned her recent work, “Exit,” which premiered October 13, 2016.

In addition to her choreography work, Gu is a painter and also creates video and multi-media projects. She collaborated on the short film "Design for Desire" which was awarded "Best Commercial Short Film" at the 2014 London Chinese Language Film Festival.

Selected Touring History

  • Sept 26, 2015: North American Premiere at University of Michigan
  • Oct 15-16, 17, 2015: Australian Premiere at Festival Melbourne
  • March 4-5, 2016: Hong Kong Premiere at Hong Kong Arts Festival
  • Oct 13-14, 2016: World Premiere of "Exit" at the Shanghai International Arts Festival, Power Station of Art Theatre
  • May-June, 2017: North American Tour, details to be announced in January, 2017