Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers (KYL/D) have established themselves as one of the nation’s few Asian American contemporary dance companies—but it’s their striking choreography and dynamic stage presence that truly keep audiences returning year after year.

Led by Artistic Director Kun-Yang Lin, the company presents a fresh program of new works annually, guided by his Zen-inspired artistic vision. A native of Taiwan, Lin founded KYL/D in Philadelphia with a mission to create performances that center the concept of chi, or “life force.” Blending Eastern philosophy with contemporary movement, the company has earned critical acclaim for seamlessly weaving tradition and modernity into work that feels both grounded and innovative.

For their final home season, KYL/D will showcase ‘Echo and Flame/Fenghuang Awakens’, at the Mandell Theater on Friday, March 27, and Saturday, March 28. Lin’s 110th creative work, the showcase is officially described as “a celebration of the company’s commitment to healing, community, and the transformative power of dance, encapsulated by the mythic Fenghuang—the Chinese phoenix—a symbol of balance, harmony and renewal.”

It’s meant to be a ritual-inspired journey shaped by ancient Confucian traditions, the elemental force of fire, and the mythic symbolism of the Fenghuang. Structured in five “chapels”—Wisdom, Fire, Fenghuang, Transformation, and Us—the work will feature an original score by Singaporean composer Dayn Ng and live taiko performance by Joe Small.

But that’s not all that visitors will get to see this weekend while at the show.

An additional world premiere, ’17 Moves/In Memory of Gus’, will honor the late dance artist, Gus Solomons, Jr. The solo will be performed by a different artist at each performance: Former KYL/D Principal dancer Liu Mo on opening night, guest artist and projection collaborator Dr. Pallabi Chakravorty at the Saturday matinee, and Kun-Yang Lin himself at the final Saturday evening performance.

Alongside these premieres, KYL/D will also present three acclaimed repertory works: ‘Pilgrimage’, a deeply spiritual exploration of compassion set to music by Philip Glass and Lama Gyurmes that has been praised for its “powerful simplicity”; ‘MY HOME?’ a refelection on immigrant experiences drawing from stories along Philadelphia’s South 9th Street corridor performed by Weiwei Ma; and ‘Spring 101’, where Lin will reimagine Baroque compositions by Vivaldi and Bach, with sound design by Cory Neale.

Lin spends his time crafting each routine, all of which are difficult in feat and meant to be intricate—and the result provides a showcase of dances that are direct, fluid, colorful, tranquil, thought-provoking and massively entertaining. Ultimately, ‘Echo and Flame: Fenghuang Awakens’ promises an evening of powerful, evocative contemporary dance that “speaks to the spirit of transformation.”

As the artistic director told Metro in 2021: “We hope audience members recognize the power of dance to transform and heal, that the arts have something to contribute during great challenges, the arts speak to universal experiences, and that the arts uplift our communities.”

This year’s ensemble will feature a line-up of talented performers, including Weiwei Ma, Keila Pérez-Vega, Takashi Kanai, Kendall Niblett, Abby Donnenfeld, Angelica Nieves-Merced, Justin Viernes, and Karen Kao.

This milestone moment offers a rare opportunity to experience their work in Philadelphia one last time, celebrating a legacy that has helped shape the city’s contemporary dance landscape. For longtime supporters and new audiences alike, it’s a chance to witness the culmination of three decades of innovation, cultural storytelling, and deeply moving performance.

Performances are set for Friday, March 27, at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, March 28, at 2:30 p.m. (with a post-show Q&A) and 7:30 p.m. (with a VIP Reception) at The Mandell Theater at Drexel University (3220 Chestnut St.). Tickets are $100 for VIP, $50 general, and $25 for students, with group discounts available. For more information, visit kyld.org