Choreographer Maggie Liang Has Come a Long Way
Maggie Liang and Yinqi Wang (credit Alexander Sargent)
By Jane D’Angelo, OhioDance executive director
Maggie Liang is one of the choreographers highlighted in the 2025 OhioDance Festival concert on Saturday, April 26 during the festival weekend, April 25-27. We chatted with Maggie about her choreography and inspiration.
Jane: Maggie, you are a Columbus based choreographer and dancer originally from China. You received your MFA in Dance from the University of California-Irvine and then came to Columbus. Why Columbus, Ohio?
Maggie: During our final year of grad school, my partner, Yinqi, and I were eager to keep dancing and choreographing. We auditioned in several cities—Chicago, St. Louis and Columbus. In November, we auditioned for Whirlwind Dance Company, and that day, it was snowing. It was my first time seeing snow, and I absolutely loved it. Yinqi said it reminded him of his hometown in Inner Mongolia, China. We explored German Village and had a great impression of Columbus. A year later, we found ourselves here! The city’s dance scene is vibrant, with Whirlwind, Ohio State University and numerous dance centers like Flux + Flow and Columbus Dance Theatre offering incredible opportunities.
Credit Skye Schmidt
Jane: Your piece “Phony Pony Ho!” will be performed at the OhioDance Festival Saturday, April 26. Can you tell us something about this piece?
Maggie: I created this piece during grad school, beginning as movement research on weight sharing and playful, court-jester-like antics. That’s how the duet took shape. The music came into my feed, and I knew that was it. The quirky, comedic quality, like background music in a TV show struck me. At the time, I was immersed in Gaga movement, which influenced the second section, making it darker and more mysterious. The third musical piece features Chinese independent rock singer Zuoxiao Zuzhou. The title, Phony Pony Ho!, came last—I wanted something comedic and catchy. There’s a moment in the dance where I climb on top of my partner like a strange, horse-like monster, and “phony pony” felt playful and childlike, much like the first section of the piece.
Jane: Where do you draw inspiration for your choreography?
Maggie: For me, there’s always a philosophical question or a compelling story at the core of my work. I watch a lot of movies, and while dance can’t convey plot in the same way film does, I strive to express the complexity of human relationships—to tell a story through dance. In film, actors and directors carefully shape shifts in intention and the dynamics between characters. As a performer, I aim to do the same, crafting a sense of magic and depth between dancers that draws the audience into something intricate and deeply felt.
Maggie Liang and Yinqi Wang (credit Gregory Kasunich)
Jane: You work with fellow choreographer Yinqi (inchi) Wang. How did this collaboration come about?
Maggie: We met as classmates at New York University Shanghai, both majoring in humanities and minoring in dance. Our collaboration began with school projects and choreographing our own work—then we fell in love. To further develop our technique and artistry, we pursued our master’s degrees at the University of California, Irvine. In our choreographic process, we challenge each other with critical feedback, and disagreements inevitably arise. Balancing a creative partnership and a relationship isn’t always easy, but ultimately, we feel incredibly fortunate to dance and create together.
Jane: What are some of your favorite things about Columbus?
Maggie: I love North Market—it’s filled with so many small shops and reminds me of the vibrant night markets in China. Hayden Falls Preserve is a hidden gem with a small waterfall, offering a peaceful and intimate escape. The Book Loft in German Village is always bustling, with endless nooks to explore. Another favorite is the library—its sheer size is impressive, and it offers a stunning view of the topiary garden, making it a perfect place to get lost in a book.
The 2025 OhioDance Festival, April 25-27, is an annual statewide celebration of dance through performances, films, demonstrations and discussions.
This article is part of a bi-weekly column brought to you by the Greater Columbus Arts Council as part of the Art Makes Columbus campaign. Explore a calendar of events, public art database and artist stories at columbusmakesart.com. To learn more about GCAC grants visit gcac.org.