Dancing with the Stars: Hongkong Ballet

Every time I plan a  visit to  Hong Kong, I check the theatre schedules for ballet or broadway shows.  A few years ago, I had the pleasure of watching Yuan Yuan Tan dance with Hong Kong Ballet in "Jewels". Unfortunately, that was the only thing that she danced that night because she alternated with another guest artist for the role of Odette in Swan Lake.  But what I saw then was enough to capture my interest. I did not know much about her then but that single performance made me check the internet for  You tube videos or dance magazine features. She stood out , looking ravishing in  her ruby red costume. Her extensions were comfortably perfect. A good mix of energy and gracefulness made here sparkle and stand out from the rest. Everybody (even the other principals) looked bland beside her.   I vowed to watch her again.

For my birthday, I decided  I wanted to go to Hong Kong to watch Yuan Yuan Tan perform again with Hong Kong  Ballet. Quite an expensive birthday gift to myself, but my husband seemed to think I was worth it :) So off we went to Hong kong and bought tickets . Excited and eager to be wowed, we practically sprinted to the theatre. "Ballet Soiree" started off really weak with  Hong Kong City Ballet's men . Castrati,  a seemingly interesting choreography was not glorified. Soloist Shen Jie and three other soloists showed versatility and strength. Shen Jie in particular was interesting to watch. I have no doubt he will be one of the Company's stars. However, the ensemble looked like they lacked rehearsals. Musicality was often compromised. Seeing Youtube videos of Castrati made it worse as the male dancers of Royal Swedish Ballet were very very precise.  Thank goodness the show quickly redeemed  itself by the entrance of Yuan Yuan Tan . She performed Lady of the Camelias with Guest Artist Vito Mazzeo. I saw a different Yuan Yuan tan, a true chameleon she was. She was sensitive in her portrayal. Her technique was impeccable. Her arabesques made me gasp in admiration. Her movements were stringed together with her grace, with every movement  dripping with emotion. It was amazing to feel her energy from the audience. Vito Mazzeo, ably partnered her and embodied just the right amount of charm and testosterone . Their partnering was absolutely seamless. I was beyond impressed. After the pas de deux, it was time for Hong Kong City Ballet's girls to show their stuff. They did not disappoint. A beautiful choreography called "Dancing with the Wind" by Li Jun showcased  the capabilities of the women. The choreography had a strong concept, the chinese aesthetic. It was a delight to see simple elements of  light and dance on stage make magic. I will not forget the dreamy quality of this piece. It was a breath of fresh air.   This performance was followed by another Pas De Deux by Yuan Yuan Tan and Vito Mazzeo. This time it was short but still most definitely sweet. Pas De Deux from Symphonic Dances was all about technical lifts and an exhibition of flexibility of both dancers. The duo delivered, keeping the audience wanting for more. Christian Spuck's  Le Grande Pas De Deux performed by Liu Yu-Yao and Zhang Yao followed. It was what it promised to be, a comical parody. It was for the lack of words to describe it, cute. Both dancers committed to the characters and performed the classical requirements  with ease.  Last on the repertoire was Theme and Variations , choreography by George Balanchine.  Ji Yao played the principal role. She performed the very difficult ballet with a comfortable smile. She  was no Yuan Yuan Tan but she did consistently deliver. The curtain fell and I found myself  clapping  with enthusiasm. 

Hong Kong City Ballet for me has grown so much. I used to think they were good but bland. This time, they re-introduced themselves to me and made me a certified fan. However, having seen  the difference between San Francisco Ballet's A team, they do have a long way to go before they reach their fullest potential.  Yuan Yuan Tan's performance really showed what  they should aspire to be, beautiful, strong and exciting. I had my fill that night. The show was worthy of my applause. Their growth was worthy of my admiration. More importantly, their star was worthy of my ADORATION . A beautiful way to say goodbye to Hong Kong. I left thoroughly impressed and happy having seen such beautiful art. I look forward to coming back to see  Hong kong Ballet's next great leap to greatness. Can't wait to see my friend  Candice Adea shine with the stars.