Gian Carlo Michelini

[4][5] Sponsored by the Camillian Order, Michelini spent the first two years of his life in Taiwan studying Mandarin in Hsinchu.

[3][9] The Lanyang Dance Troupe made its international debut in 1974, with a three-month long tour throughout Michelini's home country of Italy.

[6] As the troupe prepared for their return to Taiwan from South America, they were invited to stage the first Chinese cultural performance at the Disneyland Resort.

[6] In the early 1980s, the Lanyang Dance Troupe worked with Henry Yu, a student of Tsai Jui-yueh's, on the Graham technique.

[6][12] In 1990, Michelini attended a conference convened by the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts.

[14][15] In 2011, the name of Michelini and other foreign aid workers were commemorated by Liu Po-chun on a metal tree sculpture.

[16][17] The art piece was donated to the Council for Cultural Affairs by the Foundation of Taiwan Organizations of Philanthropic Education.