Joyce Liao

Dancer, Choreographer, Author

Dance

Dancing has always been one of my greatest passions; I have been dancing for as long as I can remember. Still, every time I immerse myself in a deep creative experience, I am reminded of why I love it so much. For me, dance is a way to explore the mysterious universe and connect with others on a profound level. My practice stems from a variety of styles and techniques, spanning ballet, contemporary, and improvisation. Ultimately, nothing compares to the feeling of letting go and allowing my body to move in its own unique way. If you want to collaborate, please don't hesitate to reach out—I would love for us to create something special together!

Creative Writing

I believe that dance and creative writing go hand in hand, as both art forms seek to express the same deep-seated passion and artistic vision. Writing allows me to explore a theme from various angles, translating the profound emotions of dance into a linguistic context. Poetry, in particular, reflects the visceral truth behind every story; through it, I can embrace a subject more fully, adding depth and meaning to my work. This literary practice helps transform my rawest emotions into conceptual stage imagery, giving the physical movement a rich narrative context. Through this symbiotic relationship between word and motion, I discover innovative ways to share my stories.

Choreography

One of my goals in dance creation is to engage and connect with people of diverse ages and backgrounds, aiming to find the common ground in our humanness and inspire a lifelong love for the art form. Whether for a live performance or a dance video, I channel my creativity into every movement, blending technical skill with a deep commitment to the dancer’s authentic presence. I believe true expression occurs when performers are not restricted by rigid preplanning, but are instead allowed to be fully present, responding to the energy of the immediate environment. This harmony between performer, audience, and space creates a venue for profound, shared experiences, allowing everyone to discover a deeper personal connection to the work.

Publication

Be A Dance Artist Your Own Way is a labor of love that I have been conceptualizing for years. I wrote this book to encourage and inspire young and aspiring dancers to step up and take charge of their dance dreams, transforming their artistic visions into realities. The book was published in 2024! I believe that every individual has the potential to become a fully competent dance artist, irrespective of their age, body type, or physical capabilities. In this book, readers will discover practical tips, guidance, and exercises to help them establish healthy and sustainable practices in dance. They will learn how to foster body inclusivity, nurture interdisciplinary creativity, and embrace their unique artistic styles. My aim is to assist readers in becoming the best and most innovative dance artists they can be.

Performance Venues

Studio Current
Velocity Dance Center
On the Boards
UW Meany Hall for the Performing Arts
UW Meany Studio Theater
UW Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center
Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
Seattle Art Museum
Northwest African American Museum
Good Shepherd Center Chapel Performance Space
Hillman City Collaboratory
Washington Hall
Hedreen Gallery
Gallery 1412

...alongside various unexpected, transient landscapes —

from gritty urban streets to hidden spaces across the Emerald City.

Into the Country of Freedom and Opportunities

My life has been full of change and growth, and my art reflects these experiences. Born and raised in Taiwan, I moved to the United States for college, settling in the vibrant city of Seattle. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to pursue various career paths, embracing opportunities in dance, accounting, and software development. Each of these enriching experiences has given me unique perspectives to draw upon in my artwork, and I bring this diversity to every piece I create.

As an immigrant warmly welcomed, I understand the importance of having a platform for diverse voices from all walks of life. It is from this place that I create art – a space where I can share my unique perspective and speak to the experiences that have shaped me. In my work, I aim to create a space for dialogue, with the ultimate goal of promoting understanding and empathy. Multiculturalism has turned Seattle, the Emerald City, into my home. I am immensely grateful for what I have received and will always seek ways to give back to this community, which once bestowed upon me abundant love and support.

Connections That Uplift Our World

As an artist, I believe dance has the power to bridge connections and cultivate empathy, helping to create a kinder, more compassionate world.

Request An
Artist Visit

Published in 2024, "Be A Dance Artist Your Own Way" is more than a book, it's my passion project. As the author, I am excited to share my experiences and knowledge with others. Whether you are a dance teacher, a student, or simply someone who loves the arts, if you would like to request a visit from me, please don't hesitate to get in touch. I would be delighted to join you and share my love of dance.

“I've had the tremendous opportunity to collaborate and witness Joyce's writing and dancing over many years. She brings an extraordinary joi-de-vivre to any creative activity, her imagination is rich and full of surprises and so is her movement. Her unique perspective as a maker of dances is tender, receptive, and deeply exhilarating. She can hold kindness and rigor in a mixture of spontaneous discovery, that can take you along for a ride in her work. In her performative sphere, the imagination is set free. Joyce suffuses the atmosphere around her, with her dedication and loyalty, with the support to take risks and to grow. Coming into contact with her playfulness and gorgeous movement has over the years been both a pleasure and an inspiration."

Vanessa DeWolf

Poet, Performance Artist and Creative Instigator

Get in Touch

I love connecting with people who share my passion for art and creativity. If you have a question for me, an idea to share, or just want to say hello, please don't hesitate to reach out!