Ballet Extravaganza featuring three neo-classical pieces by the Hong Kong Ballet will be staged on Nov 8 and 9 (Friday and Saturday) at 7:30pm and Nov 10 (Sunday) at 2:30pm at the Theatre, Ko Shan Theatre. The three refreshing numbers are all distinctive in style - "The Rite of Spring", violent and powerful, "Tango Ballet Tango", romantic and passionate, "Dreams of Tenderness and Solitude", tender and sentimental - demonstrating the Company's wide range of skills and capabilities.
Natalie Weir, choreographer of "The Rite of Spring", is talented and her works created for the American Ballet Theatre, Australian Ballet, Australian Opera and Expressions Dance Company were all very well-received by critics and audience alike. The work is inspired by the dramatic, passionate and beautiful music by Stravinsky, depicting a primitive tribe sacrificing a virgin maiden to the arrival of spring. The sense of violence, power of movements and the passion of dance and beauty would uplift audience up.
The Choreographer of "Tango Ballet Tango", Stephen Jefferies, is also the Artistic Director of Hong Kong Ballet. He has choreographed and produced "The Sleeping Beauty", "Swan Lake", "Giselle" and "The Nutcracker" and received tremendously favourable reviews. "Tango Ballet Tango" is a dance narrative or sketchbook of personalities that Jefferies conceived from the music. The inspirational music by Astor Piazzolla has created a rich cocktail of flavours accessible to all and brings out the character of the individual dancers.
David Allan, choreographer of "Dream of Tenderness and Solitude", is hailed by Dance Magazine as "Canada's Skyrocketing Choreographer". He has received numerous honours and awards over the years for his accomplishments. The pulsating rhythms of Karl Jenkins have provided Allan with a motivating landscape of human emotion to inspire the dancers with and whom he wants to achieve a freedom of expression.
Founded in 1979, the Hong Kong Ballet has grown in stature to become one of the foremost classical ballet companies in Asia and has established an international reputation. This vibrant company has created such critically acclaimed original productions as "The Last Emperor", "The Emperor and the Nightingale", "Lady of the Camellias", "Beauty and the Beast", "The White Snake" and "Mu Lan". The Company presents a broad-based repertoire, from the world's major full-length classical works to modern pieces based on the classical techniques. The Company's international recognition is demonstrated by the popular demand for its overseas tours. Since 1997, the Company had performed in many cities in Mainland China. Its lengthy tours to Europe and North America had strengthened its international image.
Presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, tickets priced at $160, $120 and $80 are now available at all URBTIX outlets. Half-priced concessions will be granted to senior citizens, people with disabilities, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients. (Limited tickets for Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients available on a first-come-first-served basis). There will be a 10% discount for every purchase of 4-9 tickets, 15% for 10-19 tickets and 20% for 20 tickets or more. A 10% discount is also available for Friends of LCSD performing venues and Friends of Hong Kong Ballet.
Programme enquiries can be made on 2268 7323 while ticketing enquiries and reservations on 2734 9009. Internet booking of tickets available at www.urbtix.gov.hk. For credit card telephone booking, please call 2111 5999. Please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/cp for more information on the programme.
End/Wednesday, October 16, 2002
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