Lin Niu is a Los Angeles–based multidisciplinary artist, choreographer, filmmaker, and arts entrepreneur dedicated to promoting Chinese dance and cultural exchange on the global stage. She is the founder and CEO of Center Stage Dance Academy, a nonprofit arts organization committed to advancing dance education and cross-cultural artistic dialogue.

Trained at the prestigious Shanghai Theatre Academy, one of China’s leading performing arts institutions, Lin developed a strong foundation in Chinese classical dance before expanding her artistic practice internationally. She later earned a graduate degree in film directing in the United States and completed further studies in Arts Business and Management at UCLA Extension, along with arts administration training at Lincoln Center in New York.

As a performer, Lin participated in internationally recognized cultural events including the Closing Ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo. Her performance work has received honors at major competitions such as the Chinese “Lotus Awards” and the national “Tao Li Cup” Dance Competition.

Over the past decade, Lin has developed a distinctive artistic voice that bridges Chinese classical dance traditions with contemporary choreography and cross-disciplinary storytelling. Through her choreography and productions, she seeks to introduce the richness of Chinese dance heritage to international audiences while fostering dialogue between Eastern and Western artistic practices.

Her choreography has received numerous awards at international competitions including Showstopper Nationals, Overseas Tao Li Cup, and the Chinese American Dance Competition, earning multiple Platinum Awards and First Place titles.

Lin is also an award-winning dance filmmaker whose works have been recognized at international film festivals. Her short film The Dancing Class received awards from the Independent Shorts Awards and IndieX Film Fest, while her dance film Nirvana won Best Musical Dance Film at the Los Angeles Film Awards and Best Choreography at the Europe Music Awards.

Beyond her creative work, Lin is frequently invited to serve as a judge for major dance competitions and international cultural events, including KAR Dance Competition, That’s Entertainment Competition, Portland Dance Film Festival, the International Tao Li Cup Dance Competition, the Miss Asian Pageant, and the New Silk Road Model Contest.

As an arts entrepreneur and cultural advocate, Lin leads Center Stage Dance Academy in producing performances, educational programs, and international collaborations that celebrate Chinese dance while nurturing emerging artists in the United States.

Her work has been featured in international media including New York Weekly, Grey Journal, Medium, and other global cultural publications.

Through her work as an artist, filmmaker, educator, and nonprofit leader, Lin Niu continues to expand the global presence of Chinese dance and promote cultural exchange through the performing arts.