▲Hsu Chen-jung (Far right) leading the Taiwan deity Nezha (Middle) across the Sahara, accompanied by Kevin Lin (Far left).
Gama-Townhall
Shouting Out to the World: Chio-Tian Folk Drums and Arts Troupe
Leader: Hsu Chen-jung
Do you remember when in Din Tao: Leader of the Parade , Pear leaps up and shouts: “FOLLOW ME!” ? This movie brings out the sentiment of the people of Taiwan almost too close to home. Who wouldn’t be proud to see our traditional culture celebrated on an international platform? As dramatic as it may seem, the movie is adapted from the true story of the Chio-Tian Folk Drums and Arts Troupe, which occurred right here on Taiwan soil. It is the story of its leader, Hsu Chen-jung, who we had the honor of having as guest speaker for the first Gama Speech in 2013.
▲Hsu’s goal is to alleviate the culture of Din Tao into a world-class art performance through original, never-done-before approaches.
Din Tao: Leader of the Parade Official Trailer:
Hsu, with his biker jacket and too-cool-for-school shades, is no conservative indeed. Like his awesome appearance, he jokes about being “the eccentric Taoist priest”, who has had great expectations for Taiwan’s culture since 1995. After creating the Chio-Tian Folk Drums and Arts Troupe, his only focus was to have the group recognized throughout the world: Carrying our cultural icon, Nezha, all across Taiwan, or to the peak of Mount Yu, are just a few examples of how far he is willing to go. In 2011, Chio-Tian participated in the “Stage Race Ultra-Marathon” across the Sahara Desert in 7 days! They did whatever it took to get Chio-Tian onto the front page of any media, armed with an adventurous spirit.
▲In 2004 the troupe carried their drums to the top of Mount Yu (Left). In 2006, they embarked on the “Ascetic Expedition Around the Island” on foot and performed at culture halls in 23 counties.
▲In 2011 Chio-Tian crossed the finish line of the Sahara Race. It required not only the best physical condition, it truly was a mental battle that could not be done without sheer determination!
Sahara Race Training Session Documentary:
Crossing the Sahara Desert Documentary:
The course of Chio-Tian’s full-fledged after the Taiwanese Canadian Cultural Society saw a report on them. The society’s members were very moved by their story and invited the troupe to come perform. It wasn’t long until their name appeared all over the world, the US, Japan, Korea, and even in Africa… Hsu’s dream was coming true, one step at a time.
▲Chio-Tian Folk Drums and Arts Troupe performs at Lincoln Center in 2012 marks the next milestone for the Chio-Tian family.
The Lincoln Center Out of Doors Festival Documentary:
Hsu encourages everyone to live and learn. He sets an example by earning his EMBA at the age of 40, and vows to become the first “Professor of Din Tao” for the Chio-Tian Folk Drums and Arts Troupe members under his wing. With his efforts, these kids, who never heard any encouragement in school and never had a place in society, have found themselves again on stage, under the spotlight. Their growth and self discovery, is the ultimate of Chio-Tian, and also the ultimate spirit of Din Tao.
Hsu believes that “When one door of happiness closes, another opens”, and with all the challenges that made Chio-Tian what it is today, the journey will never end. Only by moving forward will the voice of Taiwan be heard, loud and clear, against all odds that come along the way.
▲Bearing the passion and tradition of Taiwan, Hsu makes sure the world knows who we are!
Chio-Tian Folk Drums and Arts Troupe – Promotional Clip: