TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Choreographer Wang Yeu-kwn (王宇光) has been shortlisted for an international dance award in London, marking his second consecutive nomination, boosting Taiwan’s visibility on the global stage.

Wang was named a finalist for the Bloom Prize for emerging choreographers, hosted by Sadler's Wells, one of the UK’s most prestigious dance institutions. At a press conference on Tuesday, Artistic Director Alistair Spalding noted it was rare to receive such a distinction in consecutive years, according to CNA.

The birthplace of the Royal Ballet, Sadler’s Wells has hosted only a handful of Taiwanese groups. Wang’s Shimmering Production is among the few, alongside Cloud Gate Dance Theatre, to have performed there.

Launched in 2024 with support from an anonymous donor, two award categories are available to choreographers. The Rose Prize is for established choreographers with large-scale works, and the Bloom Prize is for emerging artists with shorter productions.

Wang’s “Islands” was selected as one of three shortlisted works from 42 entrants evaluated by judges from Asia, Europe, and the Americas. “Islands” is the second installment in Wang’s trilogy, “A Trilogy–Quest of Relationships.” His first installment, “Beings,” was also shortlisted, as both works explore themes of humanity and identity.

In “Islands,” Wang collaborates with Indonesian dancer Danang Pamungkas, reflecting on island life and its influence on personal identity through dialogue and movement. Spalding praised the work’s choreography and overall production, including its use of props and lighting, saying judges recognized it as one of the most outstanding recent works from Taiwan, per CNA.

He added that Taiwanese contemporary dance has developed in recent years, with many artists performing in London multiple times. Spalding also drew parallels between Taiwan and the UK as island societies, suggesting that themes explored in “Islands,” including isolation, openness, and the search for identity, may resonate strongly with British audiences.

Performances for the Bloom Prize finalists are scheduled to begin in late January 2027 at venues across London, with winners to be announced about a month later, after live evaluations. “Islands” is set to be staged on Feb. 2 and 3, 2027, with tickets expected to go on sale May 12.

Wang said he felt deeply honored to be shortlisted again, thanked the judges for their recognition, and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to share the stage with leading international choreographers. The Bloom Prize carries a cash award of approximately NT$640,000 (US$20,000).