As part of the excitement of the George Town Festival (GTF) 2024, a mesmerising and awe-inspiring performance by the Hong Kong Dance Company is set to take place at One Theatre Hall (formerly known as PenangPac) in Straits Quay tonight.
The 75-minute dance movements coupled with the authenticity of Chinese martial arts, are expected to be performed at 8pm tonight and 3pm tomorrow.
The interplay of movement and stillness from the Hong Kong Dance Company is set to bring out the essence of both traditional practices and the fluidity of expression between ideology and physical gesture.
In an interview with Buletin Mutiara today, its artist director, concept creator and choreographer Yang Yuntao said the event’s theme is ‘Convergence’.
“Convergence brings together the tranquillity, exuberance, and synergy of dance and martial arts. We conducted a research study on both Chinese dance and martial arts traditions six years ago.
“We have a group of dancers who have collaborated with the kung fu masters, and we have since held similar events across the globe.
“We have received positive responses from audiences, and we hope Penangites will enjoy our performance as well,” he said.
Sharing the background of the performance, Yang said it has been held in China, Japan, Thailand, Australia, and other places.
“Over the past seven years, we have fine-tuned our performance and improved its essence. We hope to give our best to the audiences in Penang.
“Martial arts are regarded as a kind of aesthetic element. We are glad to combine both martial arts and dance performances to bring a unique and symbolic performance to the audience,” he said.
Yang, who graduated from the Dance Faculty of Minzu University of China, is an accomplished dancer and choreographer. He joined the Hong Kong Dance Company in 2002 as principal dancer
Yang won the Hong Kong Dance Awards in 2003 and 2006 for his outstanding performance and the Best Artist (Dance) at the Hong Kong Arts Development Awards 2009.
Yang mentioned that martial arts have a huge influence in Hong Kong, particularly the legacy left by celebrities such as Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Ip Man.
Principal dancer Ong Tze Shen, who would be performing in his hometown for the first time, described the dance as a free-flow art form unbounded by space and time.
“I was worried about the audience’s acceptance of the dance performance, but I am relieved after learning that the tickets have been sold out.
“GTF has done a great job to provide us a platform to showcase and promote our performance,” he said.
Born in Penang, Tze Shen began dancing at the age of 13 and participated in numerous competitions and performances.
GTF director Chin Teo is looking forward to the spectacular performance tonight.
“The response received is marvellous, and we hope the audience will be captivated by their performance,” she said.
She also thanked the Hong Kong Dance Company for their support in holding the performance in Penang.
Also present during the interview session were Hong Kong Dance Company marketing and development manager Ho Ying Yi, and Senior Programme director Huang Jia Jia.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting and courtesy of interviewees