While the name Sheu Fang-yi (許芳宜) might sound foreign to some, she is no stranger to ardent fans of the performing arts.
Sheu, who has played lead roles in the acclaimed Martha Graham Dance Company's pieces, was decorated by President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) yesterday in recognition of her outstanding achievement in the performing arts.
The Martha Graham Dance Company is the oldest and most celebrated contemporary dance troupe in the US. Sheu, a native of Yilan County, studied the Graham technique with former Graham dancer Ross Parkes at National Taipei University of the Arts. She joined the company in 1996.
"I believe I am not the only one who is proud of Sheu Yi-fang. Taiwan's 23 million people, especially those from Taiwan's dance performing world, are proud of Sheu as well," Chen said after decorating Sheu with the Order of the Brilliant Star, Fifth Class.
The honor was last given to Olympic Taekwondo gold medalists Chen Shih-hsin (陳詩欣) and Chu Mu-yen (朱木炎) in September.
Dance Magazine, an arts and entertainment publication, in its January edition named Sheu one of its "Top 25 to Watch." She was also featured on the cover of that edition.
Noting Sheu's excellent work as well as the success of Wang Chien-ming (王建民), 25-year-old native of Tainan who made his Major League debut for the New York Yankees in late April, Chen said "the sky over New York these days is very Taiwan."
"It is not an easy thing to achieve a name for yourself in New York," the president said. "Sheu and Wang's outstanding performances deserve recognition that although they are born and bred in Taiwan, they glow and shine in New York."
Citing Sheu as an example, the president took the opportunity to as well encourage Taiwan's youngsters to hold fast to their dreams.
"So long as one proceeds toward one's dreams with steadfast steps, one day they will have success," Chen said.
Sheu, noting her background as a girl from the countryside of Yilan County, said that in all here years in New York, she never felt she made that special an achievement.
"But when I heard everyone say `Sheu Fang-yi is from Taiwan,' that was the most poignant moment," said the 34 year-old, who was once a member of Taiwan's Cloud Gate Dance Theater and also worked with the Elise Monte Dance Company.
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