TAO Dance Theatre was founded in 2008 and has since performed in every modern dance festival in China, collaborating with leading artists across theatre, experimental music, film, visual arts and installation. TAO has also participated in performances, choreography and teaching residencies in festivals worldwide including Europalia (Belgium), Culturescapes (Switzerland), M.A.D.E. (Sweden), Singapore Arts Festival, the American Dance Festival, Sydney Opera House Spring Dance Festival, and Lincoln Center Festival. Founder Tao Ye danced with Jin Xing Dance Theater in Shanghai and then Beijing Modern Dance Company before deciding to strike out in his own. Dancer Wang Hao, a specialist in Mongolian folk dance and graduate of the Central University of Nationalities Dance Academy, joined him to found TAO Dance Theater in 2008. A third dancer, Duan Ni, danced with Shen Wei (US) and Akram Khan (UK) – before returning to China to work exclusively with Tao Ye.