Hong Kong Ballet unveils lineup for new season

Hong Kong Ballet has unveiled its captivating lineup for the upcoming 2024/25 Season, promising a blend of premieres and cherished classics that will enchant audiences with a diverse range of performances.

The company is set to debut four full-length productions, each offering a unique narrative experience: The Wizard of Oz, a whimsical journey with Dorothy and her companions; The Butterfly Lovers, a timeless Chinese legend of star-crossed romance; Frida, a poignant portrayal of the life of renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo; and a mesmerizing new interpretation of Giselle, known for its compelling tale of love, betrayal, and redemption.

Adding to the season's allure is the premiere of Tutu Academy, a delightful and eccentric short film created to celebrate Hong Kong Ballet's 45th anniversary. Artistic director Septime Webre describes the film as a tribute to the unifying power of ballet, set in a retro-futuristic Hong Kong, where a space alien discovers solace and joy through the universal language of dance, emphasizing the beauty of meaningful connections in our diverse world.

Renowned choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Academy Award-winning designer Tim Yip, Chinese composer Tian Mi, and the Macao Orchestra will lend their talent to the season's productions, alongside esteemed guest principal dancers such as Qi Bingxue from Shanghai Ballet and Iana Salenko from Berlin State Ballet.

In a highlight of the season, the company will embark on a tour to Beijing in November, presenting Alice (in wonderland) at the National Center for the Performing Arts. Choreographed by Webre, this innovative production seamlessly blends dance, theater, and puppetry, offering a captivating fusion of traditional ballet with contemporary vibrancy, promising a mesmerizing experience for audiences in Beijing.