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Hong Kong Ballet has embarked on a North American tour spanning four Canadian cities and New York in the United States from March 1 to 20. In a performance of the ballet classic "The Sleeping Beauty" at the National Arts Centre in Canada's capital city Ottawa in the evening on March 3, the long-established dance company impressed the audience with its artistic beauty and sophistication, confirming its reputation as one of the premier ballet companies in Asia.
Speaking at a cocktail reception after the performance, the Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (HKETO), Miss Kathy Chan, described Hong Kong Ballet as a premium arts institution which has won recognition from both the public and the world of international ballet.
"Established in 1979, Hong Kong Ballet has evolved into a vibrant performing arts organisation with accomplished dancers and a strong repertoire. Its character not only embodies the dynamic vitaliy of Hong Kong, but also reflects the city's unique position as a melting pot of cultures which embraces East and the West. Its dancers include nine nationalities and come from Hong Kong and other parts of Asia, Europe and North America, including Canada," Miss Chan said.
"Over the years, Hong Kong Ballet has conducted more than 30 tours in 10 countries to foster cultural exchanges, and this is its fourth time in Canada since 2000," she added.
Hong Kong Ballet performed three contemporary works in Montreal to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in 2012. The company also performed in Canada in 2004 and 2001.
"Being the official representative of the HKSAR Government in Canada, the HKETO is glad to see the return of Hong Kong Ballet to Canada. We are proud of Hong Kong Ballet and are pleased to give our full support to this wonderful cultural ambassador of Hong Kong," said Miss Chan.
Speaking about Hong Kong's cultural development, Miss Chan described Hong Kong as an international cultural metropolis. "The HKSAR Government's objectives, amongst others, are to create an environment conducive to the diversified and balanced development of the city's arts and culture. The HKSAR Government provides subventions to nine major performing arts groups, including Hong Kong Ballet."
She also told the guests that Hong Kong has a vibrant arts scene and hosts a vast array of cultural events from around the world throughout the year. In particular, she told the guests that the West Kowloon Cultural District was under development and would become a new cultural quarter with world-class performing venues and exhibition facilities located on a dramatic harbourfront site in the heart of Hong Kong.
"We welcome all of you to come to Hong Kong to experience our strong cultural atmosphere," she said.
The Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Canada, Mr Luo Zhaohui; National Arts Centre Dance Producer, Ms Cathy Levy; and Hong Kong Ballet Artistic Director, Ms Madeleine Onne, also spoke at the reception.
Ottawa (March 1 and March 3 to 5) is the first leg of the Hong Kong Ballet's North American tour. They will proceed to Burlington (March 8), Markham (March 10) and Kingston (March 12) in the province of Ontario of Canada before going on to their final stop in New York in the United States.
For programme details, please visit Hong Kong Ballet's official website at: www.hkballet.com/en/Whats-On/Touring.html.
Ends/Friday, March 4, 2016
Issued at HKT 13:22
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