Since the beginning of the tenure of President of Taiwan Tsai Ing-wen, the government has been working towards the implementation of a number of initiatives in order to revitalise Taiwan's economy and enhance relations with its neighbouring countries.

One of these is the New Southbound Policy (NSP), targeting South East and South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand as potential strategic partners for regional social and economic cooperation.

Taiwan is currently going full steam ahead in implementing the NSP, which is aimed at deepening bilateral relations in all sectors including arts, economy, science and technology.

It is under this policy that the Da-Guan Dance Theater of the National Taiwan University of Arts (NTUA) ~ at the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (ROC) ~performed in New Delhi as part of the Taiwanese government's efforts to promote cultural exchanges.

The dance troupe's performance, named Splendor of Taiwan, presented to the Indian audience the diversity and sophistication of Taiwan's rich culture and contemporary arts. The Da-Guan Dance Theater, established in 2005, has been invited to various international events across the world, winning positive reviews for its successful choreographic integration of Western and Eastern elements and innovative multimedia applications including drama, music and fine arts. The troupe performing in India comprised of 15 young performers from NTUA.

Presenting a repertoire on the theme, the dance troupe performed 14 pieces featuring glove puppetry, modern dance, traditional Chinese folk dance and choreography from Taiwan's indigenous tribes. During the show, the troupe explored a wide range of subject matter such as the relationship of the Taiwanese with Nature as well as the Taoist temple festivals and philosophy.

Before the performance, Ambassador Tien Chung-Kwang, explaining the work of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India, said that such events can facilitate mutual understanding. He added that he hopes audiences and performers seize the opportunity to connect and exchange knowledge on each other's cultures.

Vanlalhuma, Deputy Director General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), an important partner for the event, commenting on the history of robust artistic and cultural exchanges between India and Taiwan said, "In recent years, interaction between India and Taiwan has grown in numbers and frequency. India and Taiwan have a very good understanding of each other, including issues and strengths. I look forward to many more such activities in the future."

The NTUA's educational philosophy has always been to inspire students' passion in creating dance aesthetics as it also encourages them to incorporate the perceptions and ideals in their daily life into performing arts, vital for the overall development and growth of an individual. Artistic Director for the Da-Guan Dance Theater Tseng Jao-Hsun explained that the aim of the performance was to introduce the Indian audiences to this very important philosophy, besides of course enthralling them with the grace and elegance of the craft.

Surely, the universe knows no boundaries. These are created by us, and the onus lies on us to eliminate them.