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The Hong Kong Ballet will present a trilogy of modern works to kick off a dance series at Expo 2010 Shanghai China (Shanghai Expo), showcasing Hong Kong's diversity of performing arts.
The Ballet's "Summer Delight" programme, to be performed at the Oriental Opera Hall of the Shanghai Oriental Arts Centre on June 4 (Friday), will feature three dance pieces.
In "Firecracker", choreographer Yuri Ng transforms the traditional festive fantasy, "The Nutcracker", into a Hong Kong experience filled with events and memories starting in the late 1960s.
The second piece, "Steptext", features an astonishing interplay of human forms and movements. It is the work of William Forsythe, one of the world's foremost choreographers, known for his use of dramatic effects and high technicality.
Polish choreographer Krzysztof Pastor's "In Light and Shadow" completes the trilogy. This work blends the baroque spirit and music of Bach with the modern ballet form that translates elements of light and shadow into dramatic shapes and dance rhythms.
"Firecracker" will be Yuri Ng's second piece of work at Shanghai Expo. His earlier presentation of "Rock Hard", performed by the Yat Po Singers, was warmly received by the audience. He said the large stage at the Oriental Opera Hall would be ideal for the Hong Kong Ballet.
"More dancers are involved in several parts to create a more lively and vibrant atmosphere," Mr Ng said.
Ballet Master Liang Jing said: "Hong Kong Ballet is proud to be recognised as one of the best ballet groups in Asia, being famous for classical and modern dance."
"We are definitely honoured to represent Hong Kong at an international event like this, which allows us to showcase our skills and techniques to Chinese and overseas audiences."
Other Hong Kong dance performances at Shanghai Expo will include the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts' School of Dance's "Crossing Borders" on June 10 and "ArtsĦETravelĦETwo Cities" on June 12.
The City Contemporary Dance Company's "DELT-- site-specific dance gala" will be held on June 19 and 20, while "Tales of Two Cities - Hong KongĦEShanghaiĦEEileen Chang"is set for June 25. The Hong Kong Dance Company's "Qingming Riverside" will be performed on July 9 and 10.
For full programme details and ticketing information, please visit the "event calendar" section on Hong Kong's Expo website, www.hkexpo2010.gov.hk .
"Summer Delights"
Date: June 4, 2010
Time: 7.15pm
Venue: Oriental Opera Hall, Shanghai Oriental Art Centre
Length: Approx. 1 hour 45 mins
Ticket price: RMB 380, 300, 220, 150, 80
Booking hotline: (+86 21) 6854 1234
Online bookings: www.ticket2010.com , www.shoac.com.cn
Programme enquiries
(HK): (+852) 2105 9724
(Shanghai):(+86 21) 6854 1234
Ends/Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Issued at HKT 14:43
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