2018 Hong Kong dance in review: a look back at the highs and lows – and what 2019 has in store
- No fewer than three productions of Giselle, the farewell appearance of Jin Yao and an epic performance of Yuri Grigorovich’s Spartacus were highlights
- But a puzzling season from Hong Kong Dance Company was a disappointment
For ballet lovers in Hong Kong, 2018 was the year of Giselle, with no fewer than three productions on offer.
English National Ballet thrilled audiences in a sold out season of Akram Khan’s modern version, distinguished by stunning theatricality, powerful dancing and an ingenious re-imagining of story and score. Milan’s La Scala Ballet brought their fine traditional production to Macau, with stand-out performances in the leading roles by Vittoria Valerio and Claudio Coviello.
A new staging by Hong Kong Ballet saw the farewell appearance of Jin Yao, who gave a flawless performance in the title role, partnered magnificently by guest artist Marcelo Gomes.
Out of many good performances through the run (there were six casts in all, a testament to the company’s remarkable strength in depth) Shen Jie and Venus Villa gave an especially impressive interpretation of the leading roles, beautifully danced and profoundly moving.
Throughout the year Hong Kong Ballet continued to drive forward under artistic director Septime Webre, who fulfilled his promise to create a buzz around the company, launching “Ballet in the City”, a new programme of “pop-up” site specific work around the city and developing numerous audience outreach activities.
