Modern dance originated from ballet and someone considers it as the resistance to classical ballet. Isadora Duncan, founder of modern dance, argued that ballet is shallow, dance should express peoples' mind and affection. Another reason is the change of economics in American and European societies. People were interested in physical health with less legal regulations and able to participate in dance performances. This enhanced the evolution of the dance circle.

"Improvisation" and "contact improvisation" are essential in modern dance. Improvisation is not designed intentionally. It means to dance freely with instinctive feelings. It examines the movement, performs with physical dance moves and reinforces personal growth by causal creation. Contact improvisation, different from improvisation, is formed by interaction between at least two people to show the most natural and graceful movement of the bodies.

The "Modern dance" is a novelty art form that interprets and responds to the tension and conflicts derived from political mobilization and social relations. It is configured in the political structure. Since Cloud Gate develops the style of modern dance in the 1970s, its choreography and modification reflect the authoritarian government and political change of Taiwanese society at the period. Modern dance of Cloud Gate is the indication of Taiwan's specific cultural development within social changes.

Besides dancing, Cloud Gate Dance Theatre is devoted to education and the promotion of modern dance. Cloud Gate provides various courses and lectures for adults and children to learn performance, dance and music. It cooperates with the government and bureau of social welfare to invite disadvantaged students to appreciate the performance of Cloud Gate. Cloud Gate Dance Theatre is the base for Cloud Gate to perform art. It provides lectures and exhibitions of various performances, including movies. It aims to influence children and enhance the sustainability of art.

Cloud Gate's contribution to dance is not only limited to Taiwan, but also felt around the world. It is applauded by audiences worldwide. Water Moon and Cursive II have been praised as "the best piece of dance" and "the best program". Cursive II and Wild Cursive were even awarded with art performance prize of the year. In 2013, Mr. Lin Hwai-min was praised and obtained the highest honor in the modern dance circle of the world, the American Dance Festival Award for Lifetime Achievement, known as "Nobel Prize of modern dance."