Choreographer Wen Wei Wang, the dance artist behind such works as Unbound and Under the Skin and commissions for Ballet B.C. and Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal, has just nabbed Dance Victoria's $10,000 Chrystal Prize.

Wang will use the money to work with Gao Yanjinzi, artistic director and principal choreographer of Chinaʼs Beijing Modern Dance Company, on their upcoming collaboration. With a working title of Stories From China, the piece will mine the memories of both artists of growing up in China and training during the Cultural Revolution. 

Classical Chinese musician Qiu Xia He of Vancouverʼs Silk Road Music group is on tap to accompany the work, which will debut in early 2014.

The Chrystal Dance Prize is named for Dr. Betty “Chrystal” Kleiman, and goes to a western Canadian artist each year to work with an international collaborator.

It's been a big week for Wang (whose own company is called Wen Wei Dance). He has also been  shortlisted as one of 75 finalists for the 2013 RBC Royal Bank Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award, a peopleʼs choice award. It recognizes people who have come to Canada and made a positive difference here. Past winners include Adrienne Clarkson and Bing Thom.

Dance fans can vote for Wang to be among the top 25 here until May 13.