The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will launch a new lecture series on ballet appreciation entitled "Gala · Mixed Bills" in August and September. Local ballet educator Margaret Lau will host the lecture and share with audiences a number of intriguing excerpts of classical repertoires and short pieces in ballet.
 
     In this series of eight lectures, more than 30 ballet excerpts in different styles are selected, ranging from gala classics starred by elite dancers to concise but creative short pieces. By showcasing ballet performances with various scales and structures, audiences will be guided to explore the creative methods of the choreographers and comprehend the exquisite skills of the dancers so as to gain a deeper appreciation of ballet.
 
     Dates of each lecture and works covered are as follows:
 
Lecture 1
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Date: August 4 (Thursday)
Repertoires: "Raymonda", "The Dying Swan", "Le Corsaire", "Voices of Spring" and "Symphony in C"
Video clips: Bolshoi Ballet (Russia), Teatro alla Scala Ballet (Italy), The Royal Ballet (United Kingdom), New York City Ballet (United States), Dutch National Ballet (the Netherlands) and more
 
Lecture 2
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Date: August 11 (Thursday)
Repertoires: "La Sylphide", "Boléro", "Still Life at Penguin Café" and "Within the Golden Hour"
Video clips: Staatsballett Berlin (Germany), The Royal Danish Ballet (Denmark), The Royal Ballet (United Kingdom), Paris Opera Ballet (France) and Bolshoi Ballet (Russia)
 
Lecture 3
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Date: August 18 (Thursday)
Repertoires: "The Kingdom of the Shades" from "La Bayadère", "Theme and Variations", "Five Brahms Waltz in the Manner of Isadora Duncan", "Monotones I" and "Dancing Chaplin"
Video clips: Paris Opera Ballet (France), Mikhailovsky Ballet (Russia), Mariinsky Ballet (Russia), The Royal Ballet (United Kingdom), The Tokyo Ballet (Japan) and more
 
Lecture 4
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Date: August 25 (Thursday)
Repertoires: "Fancy Free", "Dances at a Gathering", "The Concert" and "Elite Syncopations"
Video clips: The Royal Ballet (United Kingdom) and Paris Opera Ballet (France)
 
Lecture 5
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Date: September 1 (Thursday)
Repertoires: "Paquita", "Grand Pas Classique", "Chroma" and "5 Tangos"
Video clips: The National Ballet of Canada (Canada), Dutch National Ballet (the Netherlands), Bolshoi Ballet (Russia), Bavarian State Ballet (Germany), Paris Opera Ballet (France) and more
 
Lecture 6
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Date: September 8 (Thursday)
Repertoires: "Serenade", "Ballet 101", "Études", "Monotones II" and "The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude"
Video clips: New York City Ballet (United States), Paris Opera Ballet (France), Mariinsky Ballet (Russia), The Royal Ballet (United Kingdom), The National Ballet of Canada (Canada) and more
 
Lecture 7
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Date: September 15 (Thursday)
Repertoires: "Tales of Beatrix Potter", "Two Pigeons", "Les Patineurs" and "Scènes de Ballet"
Video clips: The Royal Ballet (United Kingdom), Houston Ballet (United States) and more
 
Lecture 8
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Date: September 22 (Thursday)
Repertoires: "Don Quixote", "Le Jeune Homme et la Mort", "L'Arlésienne" and "Carmen Suite"
Video clips: Stuttgart Ballet (Germany), National Ballet of China (China), Bolshoi Ballet (Russia), American Ballet Theatre (United States) and more
 
     Lau is a seasoned dance critic in Hong Kong. She has travelled to attend and cover dance performances around the world, and has hosted this lecture series on ballet appreciation since 2009 to share her experience and knowledge with audiences. Her published works include "Twinkle Twinkle Dance Stars" and "Chinese Ballet Sketches".
 
     All the lectures will be conducted in Cantonese and will take place at 7.30pm at AC2, 4/F, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Tickets priced at $60 (for each lecture, with free seating) are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone credit card bookings, please call 2111 5999. For programme enquiries, please call 2268 7323 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/dance/programs_1359.html.
 
     In order to comply with the requirements stipulated in the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F) and relevant requirements of administrative instructions, members of the public are required to scan the "LeaveHomeSafe" venue QR code with their mobile phones/other mobile devices before being allowed to enter performing arts venues managed by the LCSD for necessary contact tracing if a confirmed case is found. In accordance with the Prevention and Control of Disease (Vaccine Pass) Regulation (Cap. 599L) and relevant requirements of administrative instructions, all persons entering indoor venues under the management of the LCSD must comply with the requirement of the Vaccine Pass.

Ends/Monday, July 4, 2022
Issued at HKT 11:00

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