In July this year, Sydney audiences were invited to experience convergenceA stunning fusion of martial arts and Chinese dance, performed by the Hong Kong Dance Company (HKDC) at the Seymour Centre. Taking place over three performances between July 12 and 13, this remarkable show combines power, speed and aesthetics that has had a profound impact on dancers and choreographers around the world.
Organized by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Sydney convergence The dance is choreographed by the company’s award-winning artistic director Yang Yuntao. It is the culmination of collaborative research since 2018, examining the rich tradition of Chinese dance and martial arts, incorporating styles such as Hong Quan, Cai Lifu and Fujian Baihe.
Yang Yuntao won the Hong Kong Dance Annual Award twice (2003, 2006) for his outstanding dance performances, and won the Hong Kong Arts Development Award for Best Artist (Dance) in 2009. Yang Yuntao is an accomplished dancer and Choreographer. He joined HKDC in 2002 as a principal dancer. He has been the company’s Assistant Art Director since 2007 and its Art Director since November 2013. Spring Rites, Eulogies, Legend of Mulan, Won the Outstanding Production Award and the Outstanding Ensemble Dance Award at the 2014 Hong Kong Dance Awards, and has performed in New York, Sydney, London and Minsk, winning many awards. storm clouds. Mr. Yang was awarded the Medal of Honor by the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in 2023 in recognition of his significant contribution to dance and his role in promoting and nurturing Chinese dance talents.
Young shared his vision for the production, saying: “convergence It’s more than just a show; it’s the evolution of our artistic journey. It represents our break with the past, charting a new course and reinventing ourselves. This fusion of external movement and internal awareness transforms our physical condition and deepens our exploration of the truth and beauty of performance.
He continued: “This production challenges our dancers to transcend traditional boundaries and deliver a thought-provoking and visually captivating narrative. We are excited to bring this new expression of power and beauty to Sydney, attracting attention to innovation and traditional audiences.
convergence It not only highlights the exquisite skills of the main dancers He Haofei, Wang Zishen and other dancers, but also incorporates innovative digital art. The fusion of ancient culture with modern music, video projections and lighting creates a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere.
The show has received international acclaim, including the 23rd Annual Outstanding Online Production AwardRD Hong Kong Dance Annual Awards. Critics praised the production’s execution and unique style. American Dance Magazine commented on the dancers’ “dazzling speed and glassy specificity,” describing their performance as “downright exciting.” Hong Kong Commercial Daily praised the work for its energy and elegance, calling it “a unique style that I have never seen before.”
Excellent reviews, excerpted from convergence Already won 13th The 2023 China Dance Award (Modern Dance) is the most prestigious national award in the Chinese dance industry. The award highlights the exceptional quality and innovation of HKDC’s work.
The Hong Kong Dance Center was established in 1981 and is committed to promoting Chinese dance with a contemporary artistic vision and Hong Kong characteristics. Since its establishment, HKDC has performed more than 200 works, many of which have been critically acclaimed, making it one of Hong Kong’s major performing arts companies. As Hong Kong’s cultural ambassador, the Hong Kong Cultural Center continues to tour different cities around the world, attracting local audiences, encouraging cultural exchanges, and bringing Hong Kong’s unique artistic style to the world.
do not miss it convergenceperformed by HKDC, celebrates Hong Kong’s unique artistic talent and is supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney’s mission to promote cultural exchange between East and West.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Convergencetour.com.au.
