Luodong: Italian priest Gian Carlo Michelini, the visionary founder of the Lan Yang Dancers troupe and a devoted advocate for arts and culture in northeastern Taiwan, has passed away at the age of 91, as announced by Saint Mary's Hospital Luodong.
According to Focus Taiwan, Michelini, born in 1935, made Taiwan his home in 1964 after moving from Italy. He dedicated over sixty years of his life to the cultural development of Yilan County. In 1966, he established the Lan Yang Youth Catholic Center, followed by the Lan Yang Dancers, with the purpose of highlighting local culture through dance. "Dance is the best way to express the unique character of Yilan," Michelini once stated, emphasizing his commitment to promoting this art form.
In 1974, Michelini orchestrated a groundbreaking tour of Italy for the troupe amidst Taiwan's diplomatic isolation, where they performed in front of Pope Paul VI, thereby introducing Taiwanese folk art to the international stage. His efforts extended beyond dance, as he played a pivotal role in promoting the Yilan International Children's Folklore and Folkgame Festival, which brought performing groups from across the globe to Taiwan.
In recognition of his significant contributions to culture, Michelini obtained Republic of China (Taiwan) citizenship in 2017, describing it as "the best birthday gift" and expressing his continued desire to contribute to Taiwan. Moreover, he was honored as an honorary citizen of Yilan County in 2025 for his lifelong dedication to local arts and culture.