ABSTRACT
Modernity, as a West originated idea, carries far more complex meanings for Asia than for Euro-American culture. Its evolvement in this part of the world has been closely intertwined with its history of colonisation, both by external and internal colonialists and in modes of political, cultural and economic colonialisms. As a result, the concept of 'Asian modernity' is intrinsically defined by a dynamics of dialectic dualism – national/individual identity quest, colonial/postcolonial power structure, modern/traditional polemics, globalisation/indigenisation impetus, among others. The Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan stands as an illustrative example in the histories of Asian cultures' pursuit for modernisation and contemporary expression. The exploration of the concept of space in Moon Water and The Cursive Trilogy brings into relief the non-material and seemingly more passive elements of the dance, for instance the empty space between dancers, the meditative mode of dancing, the stillness of the body between bursts of action, among others.
