The Hong Kong Ballet captivated New York with the US premiere of its award-winning production "The Butterfly Lovers" at its opening night at the prestigious David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center, on August 22 (New York time).
 
     Performing to a sold-out crowd, the company impressed the audience with lush choreography, poignant storytelling and striking stage design that blended Chinese tradition with contemporary ballet aesthetics. The performance also marked the triumphant return of the Hong Kong Ballet to the New York stage since 2023.
 
     The Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO), Ms Maisie Ho, warmly welcomed the Hong Kong Ballet back to New York City at the opening night reception.
 
     "With this reimagined 'The Butterfly Lovers', the Hong Kong Ballet is pushing boundaries, boldly blending Chinese dance with the classical ballet art form,” she said. “This spirit of innovation and artistic growth, with a company of dancers from Hong Kong and abroad, also reflects Hong Kong's vibrant cosmopolitan lifestyle, global outlook, and rich cultural diversity."
 
     Ms Ho highlighted Hong Kong's thriving arts and cultural landscape, bolstered by strong government support and initiatives that foster artistic excellence and cultural exchange. She noted that the Hong Kong Ballet exemplifies the vital role Hong Kong plays as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, grounded in the city's deep-rooted cultural heritage shared with Mainland China and long-standing global ties, including those with the United States.
 
     Led by the Hong Kong Ballet's Artistic Director, Septime Webre, this reimagination of the classic folktale weaves together classical ballet and traditional Chinese dance. Choreographed by Ricky Hu and Mai Jingwen, the production features breathtaking set and costume designs from Academy Award winner Tim Yip, and a sweeping original score performed live by the New York City Ballet Orchestra, conducted by the resident conductor of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra Lio Kuokman.
 
     "The Butterfly Lovers", co-presented by Hong Kong Ballet and the China Arts and Entertainment Group, continues its run at Lincoln Center this weekend (August 23 and 24, New York time), offering New Yorkers a rare opportunity to experience this cultural and artistic gem. The New York ETO is the government partner of the tour.

Ends/Saturday, August 23, 2025
Issued at HKT 11:53

NNNN