The 2024 Dublin Dance Festival, themed "Dance Out Loud," kicked off with Taiwan's Cloud Gate performing their acclaimed piece '13 Tongues' at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin on May 14th and 15th. This marks Cloud Gate's comeback to the Dublin stage after a 13-year hiatus since their last performance in 2011.

Under the guidance of Artistic Director Cheng Tsung-lung, Cloud Gate delivered an exceptional performance of their renowned piece '13 Tongues' at the Dublin Dance Festival. Concurrently, Evan Furlong, Principal of the Dublin School of Mandarin Chinese (DSMC) and Director of TCML Ireland, escorted students to witness this special event and orchestrated a meaningful after-party.

Evan Furlong was incredulous that this day had finally arrived. It had been decades since she last witnessed Cloud Gate's performance in Dublin. As a Taiwanese in Ireland, her pride knew no bounds, knowing that the Taiwanese troupe was headlining the 2024 Dublin Dance Festival.

Cloud Gate's performance not only showcased Taiwanese dance expertise but also served as a potent advocate for Taiwanese culture. Subsequently, Evan Furlong escorted the students to the after-party at BrewDog, expressing deep gratitude for the support of OCAC, the chairperson, and the treasurer, who generously contributed towards the troupe's dinner and the after-party.

At the after-party, TCML board members, students, and dancers shared their thoughts on the performance, sparking lively discussions and exchanges. This gathering not only let students experience top-notch dance performances up close but also breathed new life into promoting Taiwanese culture in Ireland.

Cloud Gate's performance and the after-party have brought a stunning and lively atmosphere to the Dublin Dance Festival, enhancing cultural exchange and cooperation between Taiwan and Ireland. The enthusiastic media coverage in Ireland highlights the significance of cultural exchange. Moving forward, we hope for similar events to be held in Ireland, providing Irish audiences with more chances to experience Taiwanese culture, and promoting further collaboration between Taiwan and Ireland.