Sue Li-Jue

Sue Li-Jue's choreography has been reviewed in Dance Magazine and Bay Area newspapers as "arresting," "eloquent," and "visually breathtaking." As a recipient of numerous foundation, corporate, and government grants, including the prestigious California Dancemaker Grant awarded in 2004, she has developed her work with a core group of dancers and collaborators in music, visual design, and spoken word. She has been presenting her own work in the Bay Area since 1986 and in November 1999 debuted her Oakland-based company, Facing East Dance & Music, with her first evening-length work entitled "Rice Women," performed at Dance Mission Theater in San Francisco. The second production of the critically-acclaimed, multi-media production of "Rice Women" in 2000 was co-produced by Theater Artaud under the California Artist Advancement Initiative, and nominated for four Isadora Duncan (Izzie) Dance Awards in two years for Set Design and Ensemble Performance, with a win for Oustanding Ensemble 2000-2001. Her second production, "The Nature of Nature," premiered at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center and was a collaboration with Somei Yoshino Taiko Ensemble based on the 5 Chinese elements. Ms. Li-Jue's work has been performed extensively throughout the area. Her 1997 piece, "Facing East" was featured in a documentary video, "The Way Home," about women and racism by local film maker Shakti Butler. Ms. Li-Jue's professional dance career includes the companies of June Watanabe, Unbound Spirit (Asian American Dance Collective), and Dance Brigade as well as many notable Bay Area choreographers. With BA and MFA degrees in dance, Ms. Li-Jue's extensive teaching experience includes 20 years as a Lecturer in dance in U.C. Berkeley's Physical Education Program and professional dance studios. She is an active panelist for various dance festivals, panels, and conferences. Ms. Li Jue is dedicated to developing a strong Asian, female voice in dance and to fostering a greater understanding of each other through artistic endeavors.