Huang Yi NC State LIVE Residency Brings Innovative Performances, Discussions to Campus

Last week, NC State students, faculty and staff got a chance to immerse themselves in the world of dance, computer programming, robotics and much more through NC State LIVE’s latest residency program. 

I feel like Huang Yi really exemplifies this “think and do” mindset that NC State is so known for.

Acclaimed Taiwanese choreographer and inventor Huang Yi spent the week on campus, offering various programs representing both science and the arts. 

“I feel like Huang Yi really exemplifies this ‘think and do’ mindset that NC State is so known for,” said NC State LIVE Interim Director Liza Green. “He’s a computer programmer and choreographer, and both of those things equally. That’s what drew me to him. He’s presented on some of the most prestigious stages around the world, and I knew our community would be captivated by his work.”

Early in the week, Huang Yi served as a guest lecturer for multiple University Honors Forum sessions, allowing hundreds of students to learn about his formative childhood experiences and ever-evolving creative processes. 

Huang Yi uses his computer programming skills for both his shows and to develop programs to help society, including several programs to make his shows more accessible to audience members with disabilities. 

“He’s a really interesting thinker,” Green said. “He’s constantly adapting his work with new technology and AI. It’s fascinating. And I’ve learned so much more about Huang Yi and his process thanks to the thoughtful questions from our students. Their curiosity helps me to see our artists in a new light. ” 

The week also included artist talks, class visits and a panel conversation on humanity and technology. 

The main event of the residency was Huang Yi’s signature performance “HUANG YI & KUKA,”  a blend of robotics and dance that sees Huang Yi perform alongside his robot companion, Kuka, with a series of vignettes about humanity between Kuka and a group of  dancers. 

Following the Saturday edition of the show, the Wolfpack Robotics and AquaPack Robotics clubs were featured in a post-show robot party. Huang Yi’s performance is a blend between modern dance and mechanical engineering, as a single minute of choreography for the robot takes 10-20 hours of programming. 

The performance perfectly dovetailed with NC State’s recent increased focus on the intersection of STEM disciplines and the arts. 

“I have a real passion for interdisciplinary work and artists who are exploring larger topics, using their art to shed light on other disciplines,” Green said. “Huang Yi is a great example of this. He’s a programmer and also a choreographer. I think that is happening on campus more and more. At NC State LIVE, we’re really interested in these interdisciplinary connections and helping students find different pathways to explore the topics they’re interested in from multiple angles.” 

This residency was made possible for NC State LIVE through a grant from the North Carolina Arts Council, as the program continues to strive to bring new experiences to campus. 

“I am so thankful,” Green said. “It takes a lot of resources to bring an artist of this stature  to campus for a week. It’s a really beautiful, transformative opportunity, and I do feel eternally grateful.”