ARTIST BIO

​

Tianyi Li, born in 1998, is a vibrant and versatile dance artist with expertise in Contemporary Dance, Improvisational Creativity, Classical Ballet, Chinese Folk Dances, and Chinese Classical Dance. A proud alumnus of the University of Chichester, she holds a master degree in Dance Performance currently base in London.

​

Tianyi's choreographic approach is pioneering, seamlessly blending the techniques of classical ballet, Tai Chi, and modern dance. Her work utilizes fluid body movements that transcend the distinct characteristics of these different dance forms. Tianyi aims to create choreography in which the body reveals no trace of specific dance training, embodying a unique contemporary dance style that is at once distinctive and universal. This innovative approach allows her to forge a new path in contemporary dance, making her style both recognizable and globally resonant.

​

Tianyi initiated her professional dance career by collaborating with numerous esteemed choreographers and directors. Her creative horizons broadened through her work as a dancer for Cosmo China, a partnership that facilitated her transition into choreography. This move allowed her to craft original dance pieces and explore interdisciplinary approaches. Her choreographic style is distinguished by its gentle fluidity, deeply echoing Taoist philosophical principles.

Tianyi's work has garnered invitations to participate in and contribute to cross-industry and international exchange events. These include large-scale events and festival celebrations supported by the Chinese embassy in the UK, such as the Mid-Autumn Festivals of 2022 and 2023, National Day, New Year's events, and the Spring Festivals from 2022 to 2025. "Distanz," a dance film created during the Covid-19 period that facilitated communication between Germany and China, she collaborated on a project that earned a nomination at the prestigious Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival in China. Tianyi Li's individual choreography works and performances have attracted significant media attention, with features in prominent outlets like Nouvelle d'Europe, CCTV Art, China Daily, Huawen (The Chinese Weekly), and New York Weekly. These features highlight her growing influence within the international dance community.

​

As a dancer, Tianyi Li has worked with renowned artists including Keira Martin, Donald Edwards, Yael Flexer, Detta Howe, Sarah Golding, Andrei Nestor, James Cousins, Luke Brown, Ying Xiao, among others.  Her collaborations extend to prestigious institutions such as the Royal Theatre Winchester, The Point Dance Theatre, and The Place UK, 706 Art Space. Tianyi performed at the Belt and Road Initiative for the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) alongside youth delegates from 30 countries in 2019. This performance underscored her dedication to promoting cultural exchange and diplomacy through the universal language of dance, a mission she continues to foster in both her choreographic and educational work.

​

​In addition to her performance career, Tianyi is an experienced dance educator, teaching ballet, contemporary, and Chinese dance to students of varying ages and backgrounds. She integrates her rich performance experience into her teaching, guiding students in both technical proficiency and creative expression.

 

I’ve been lucky enough to have participated in many collaborative projects, as well as exhibiting in a solo capacity, which has solidified my reputation in the art world. If you would like to find out more about my process, get in touch.

​