As the spirit moves her

"Whenever we perform in a country for the first time, I put a pin on the map hanging on my office wall. Now, when I look at the map, I feel proud," says Wang. "During the past 10 years, we have staged more performances overseas than in China because the audience here for contemporary ballet is limited. But with our new home, we will have more opportunity to perform for our audience in Beijing."

Born and raised in Beijing, Wang started learning Chinese dance when she was 10 years old. She graduated from the Beijing Dance Academy in 1995, before she studied contemporary dance choreography at the California Institute of the Arts for two years from 2000 to 2002 for her master's degree.

Now in her 40s, Wang is known for her choreography, including works for the New York City Ballet, the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, the ballet Raise the Red Lantern directed by Zhang Yimou, and the dance scenes in director Feng Xiaogang's movie, The Banquet.

Recalling her decision to start the Beijing Dance Theater, Wang says that it was out of pure idealism and her goal was "to move the body in another way and create moves I have never seen before". With no government support, her company relies on grants, commissions and ticket sales.

The first piece to gain international attention for Beijing Dance Theater was Haze in 2009. It depicted Wang's response to the economic crisis and environmental issues.

Next year, her choreographic work, Poison, will tour Europe. Consisting of three parts, Poisonous Apple, Opium and Hand of God, the work explores human emotions, such as desire, obsession, ambition and temptation, through body movements.