Award Recipients  |  2024

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Distinguished Achievement Award – Sang Jijia

The Distinguished Achievement Award is presented to Sang Jijia in recognition of his remarkable artistic accomplishments and contributions to the field of dance.

Sang Jijia has over thirty years of experience in the dance industry. He began as a dancer, known for his powerful performances and captivating presence. After studying and exchanging ideas abroad, he dedicated himself to choreography and returned to Hong Kong where he has created numerous dance works for the City Contemporary Dance Company. His creative style blends Eastern philosophy and contemporary technology, exploring complex themes through flowing movement, powerful, visually striking productions, and using the art of dance to showcase his humanistic concerns.

In addition to his creative pursuits, Sang Jijia actively promotes the advancement of dance in Hong Kong and internationally, while also making significant contributions to education.

With his exceptional artistic talent and unwavering passion, Sang Jijia has consistently delivered profound and thought-provoking works to audiences in Hong Kong and beyond, leaving an indelible mark on the field of dance.

Distinguished Achievement Award – Kevin Wong

Wong joined City Contemporary Dance Company (CCDC) in 1995 as a publicity officer and went on to hold a succession of roles within the company over the next 28 years, culminating in his tenure as Director of the CCDC Dance Centre, which under his leadership played a vital part in the local dance community, offering invaluable resources and becoming home to many artists, teachers and students. A place where choreographers dared to dream big and could not only create, but could experiment and do research on movement. In addition to his immense contributions to CCDC, he has been a pillar of strength for independent dance in Hong Kong, always there to provide guidance, advice and support in both strategic and practical ways to all who needed it.

He has also been a key advocate for local dance through his service with organizations such as the Leisure & Cultural Services Department, the Hong Kong Dance Alliance, the Arts Development Council and Lingnan University.

Wong’s achievements in helping to build a bright future for dance in Hong Kong have been of enormous benefit to the entire dance community and his dedication, passion and generosity have had an impact on all those who have worked with him.

Lifetime Achievement Award – Mandy Petty

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to Mandy Petty in recognition of her pioneering work in establishing and developing the art of tap dance in Hong Kong.

When Petty moved to Hong Kong as a young dancer and teacher in 1981, there was little awareness of tap dance among either dancers or audiences here. Today Hong Kong boasts an impressive array of homegrown tap dancers and is a respected part of the international tap community. The city has its own tap company, R&T (Rhythm & Tempo), founded by two of Petty’s students, which not only presents high calibre performances but makes the joy of dancing tap accessible to a wide range of people through classes and community-based projects.

Petty’s contribution to this process, as performer and choreographer, teacher, mentor and role model, has been immeasurable. It’s fair to say that without her, tap in Hong Kong would not be where it is today and might still be in its infancy.

For the past 43 years her passion, warmth and energy have inspired generations of local dancers and helped put this wonderful art form on the map in our dance community – truly a lifetime achievement.

Lifetime Achievement Award - Sylvia Wu

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to Sylvia Wu in recognition of her wholehearted devotion to dance over the past six decades, from being a much admired ballerina to one of Hong Kong’s most respected dance teachers, her guidance and encouragement have benefitted thousands of local dance artists.

Wu started ballet training in her teens when dance was not as accessible as now and there were no local professional dance companies. This situation didn’t stop her from pursuing a dance career; she graduated from the Royal Academy of Dance in England and attained the very prestigious Solo Seal Award in the early 1970s. Her signature principal roles in ballets including Giselle, Coppelia, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, La Sylphide and The Firebird were highly memorable. A reviewer once wrote:“Miss Wu’s portrayal of Giselle was performed with clear detail and close to perfect classical technique.” (South China Morning Post, August 1983). There was always a long line of people waiting for Wu’s autograph outside her dressing room, as vividly recalled by the student performers during The Hong Kong Ballet Group’s productions.

Wu was one of very few local dance artists to have worked overseas with a European dance company, an experience which made her an exceptional teacher as she progressed to becoming ballet mistress of City Contemporary Dance Company, then of Hong Kong Ballet and an outstanding coach for international ballet competitions.

Wu also made significant contributions to dance education after she was appointed as a Vocational Examiner of the Royal Academy of Dance in 1999. Ever since then she has been teaching young students tirelessly and nurturing teachers. A Lifetime Achievement Awardee, her story goes on…

Tom Brown Emerging Choreographer Award - Mao Wei

The Hong Kong Dance Award for Tom Brown Emerging Choreographer Award is presented to Mao Wei.

Mao Wei has gained recognition for his unique style and ability to convey a vast world within a small theatre. His works have been featured in international art festivals. His choreography explores themes of madness and individual narratives to create intense theatrical experiences. Dance Me to the End of Night portrays a group of rebellious souls facing their demons, while Shelf Life delves into emotional entanglement and the transient nature of relationships and Mapping questions societal standards, urging us to find our own identity in a world shaped by arbitrary norms.

Outstanding Choreography - Sang Jijia for Stream of Dust, City Contemporary Dance Company and West Kowloon Cultural District

The Hong Kong Dance Award for Outstanding Choreography is presented to Sang Jijia for Stream of Dust.

Sang Jijia’s consummate mastery of his art as a choreographer is on full display in this dazzling production. He makes exceptional use of the setting in the round, incorporates thousands of ping pong balls into the action with breathtaking ingenuity and marshals his cast of 44 dancers with skill and precision. Large scale group sequences where the dancers move together in waves are particularly powerful while solos, duets and smaller groupings also stand out and allow the performers to express their individuality and showcase a range of dance styles.

Outstanding Large Venue Production - A Dance of Celestial Rhythms, Hong Kong Dance Company 

The Hong Kong Dance Award for Outstanding Large Venue Production is presented to Hong Kong Dance Company for A Dance of Celestial Rhythms.

This production was complete in every aspect. The imaginative theme of the ancient Chinese Solar Terms, responding to the rhythms of nature and the seasons, was beautifully expressed through the elegant choreography of Yang Yuntao and Xie Yin, which was danced superbly by the entire cast. All the elements. including the visual design, Min Chunhong’s flowing costumes and Kim Chulhwan’s melodious score were skilfully interwoven to form a harmonious whole. The use of fragrances to evoke different moods added a boldly innovative touch.

Outstanding Medium Venue Production - Stream of Dust, City Contemporary Dance Company and West Kowloon Cultural District

The Hong Kong Dance Award for Outstanding Medium Venue Production is presented to City Contemporary Dance Company and West Kowloon Cultural District for Stream of Dust.

This production’s grand scale and unique concept brought something fresh and exciting to the Hong Kong dance scene. Sang Jijia’s powerful choreography was performed with thrilling energy and impeccable discipline by the cast of 44, with the graduate students from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts acquitting themselves like true professionals alongside City Contemporary Dance Company dance artists. The setting, with audience members free to walk around and get different perspectives, Lawmanray’s striking lighting and Leo Cheung’s extraordinary set design all came together to create a memorable experience.

Outstanding Small Venue Production - Run, Siu Lung Fung Dance Theater

The Hong Kong Dance Award for Outstanding Small Venue Production is presented to Siu Lung Fung Dance Theater for Run.

An impressive example of what can be achieved in a small venue, with the simplest of means. Original and intelligent in concept and execution, Run showcased the depth of talent and expertise in the local dance scene and was a fitting celebration of Siu Lung Fung Dance Theater’s 10^th anniversary. The inventive, varied choreography by Pewan Chow, Alice Ma and KK Wong, Hin Lo’s score, Zoe Cheung’s lighting and Bill Cheung’s set and costumes were all outstanding, as were the stunning performances at alternate shows from Sylvia Lee and Cyrus Hui.

Outstanding Performance by a Male Dancer - Ho Ho-fei, Convergence, Hong Kong Dance Company and West Kowloon Cultural District

The Hong Kong Dance Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Dancer is presented to Ho Ho-fei in Convergence.

Ho demonstrates a thorough understanding of the synergy between Chinese dance and Chinese martial arts in his movements, whether in moments of stillness or exploding into powerful action. His intense emotion and high energy captivate the audience. He shows exemplary technical precision in his solos and duets, while his strong stage presence makes him stand out in group dances.

Outstanding Performance by a Male Dancer - Yonen Takano as George Wilson in The Great Gatsby, Hong Kong Ballet

The Hong Kong Dance Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Dancer is presented to Yonen Takano for his portrayal of George Wilson in The Great Gatsby.

Takano pulls off feats of spectacular virtuosity, with soaring jumps and thrilling turns, in his solos, shows off his partnering skills in the duets and demonstrates his ability to interact with other dancers in the scene with his friends. He combines these technical exploits with an acting performance full of pathos as the hapless George, vividly conveying the character’s well-meaning naivety, his unquestioning adoration of his wife and the searing agony of his grief at her death.

Outstanding Performance by a Female Dancer -  Ye Feifei as Daisy Buchanan in The Great Gatsby

The Hong Kong Dance Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Dancer is presented to Ye Feifei for her portrayal of Daisy Buchanan in The Great Gatsby.

Ye Feifei’s portrayal of Daisy Buchanan was the performance of a true prima ballerina at the height of her powers, combining technical brilliance with artistic maturity and innate authority. Ye’s dancing was splendidly assured, her flawless technique and elegance of movement carrying her effortlessly through the complex choreography. Dramatically, her interpretation was clear, intelligent and detailed, bringing out the different aspects of Daisy’s character and the emotional dilemmas she faces to powerful effect.

Outstanding Ensemble Performance - A Dance of Celestial Rhythms, Hong Kong Dance Company

The Hong Kong Dance Award for Outstanding Ensemble Performance is presented to Hong Kong Dance Company for A Dance of Celestial Rhythms.

The entire cast gave an impeccable display of Chinese dance at its best in this lovely production, which showed the company in superlative form. The group sequences for the women were especially remarkable, danced in perfect unison, with sublime grace and fluidity. These were contrasted with thrilling acrobatics from the men and the duet at the end was stunningly beautiful and deeply moving. 

Outstanding Lighting and Visual Design - 59 Productions for Sam and her Amazing Book of Dinosaurs, Hong Kong Ballet and 59 Productions (UK)

The Hong Kong Dance Award for Outstanding Lighting and Visual Design is presented to 59 Productions for Sam and her Amazing Book of Dinosaurs.

The world of dinosaurs springs off the pages of Sam’s book and comes to life through the brilliantly executed, wildly imaginative visuals of 59 Productions. Along with Sam, we find ourselves immersed in a jurassic paradise where pterodactyls fly past in the sky and the gigantic necks of gentle dinosaurs reach down to us in curiosity. The lighting design, with its intense colours and sharp evocation of mood, is equally effective.

Outstanding Costume & Set Design - Jérôme Kaplan for Coco Chanel: the Life of a Fashion Icon, Hong Kong Ballet

The Hong Kong Dance Award for Outstanding Costume & Set Design is presented to Jérôme Kaplan for Coco Chanel, the Life of a Fashion Icon.

Creating costumes for a ballet about one of the world’s greatest fashion designers is an extraordinary challenge and Jérôme Kaplan rose to it magnificently. The breathtaking elegance of his costumes drew inspiration from Chanel and incorporated subtle references to her work without ever imitating her. From exquisite evening gowns to the terrifying imagery of the Nazis, they vividly evoked the different eras and moods of the production. His ingenious, minimalist sets were just as impressive and brilliantly imagined.

Outstanding Music Composition - Leung Po-wing for Travel of Soul Time AFTER Time, City Contemporary Dance Company  

The Hong Kong Dance Award for Outstanding Music Composition is presented to Leung Po-wing for Travel of Soul Time AFTER Time.

Mixing traditional Chinese and electronic music, Leung Po-wing’s score played a key role in generating the eerie atmosphere of this spine-chilling work. His use of Chinese instruments and hypnotic chanting plunged the audience into the heart of Taoist ritual while the electronic sections and the sound of voices crying out were insidiously sinister and menacing. The consistently powerful rhythms, fast or slow, building then fading, were ideally adapted to inspire and accompany dance.

Outstanding Alternative Space Production - The Valentine Twists, Lee Ka-ki

The Hong Kong Dance Award for Outstanding Alternative Space Production is presented to Lee Ka-ki for The Valentine Twists 

The Valentine Twists makes ingenious use of an old industrial setting,featuring diverse utilization of space and moving from one part of the complex to another to enhance the flow of the narrative. Inspired by cases observed through social work, choreographers Cyrus Hui, Cherry Leung and Jennifer Mok explore the theme of intimate relationships, emotions and gender-related issues in different ways. Monologues and daily activities are incorporated to heighten dramatic tension and minimalist props and imaginative lighting are employed to create visually captivating effects.

Outstanding Achievement in Community Dance - 2023-24 18dART - Community Arts Scheme in Eastern District - Dance on E Community Dance Project, SDZ

The Hong Kong Dance Award for Outstanding Achievement in Community Dance is presented to SDZ for its 2023-24 18dART - Community Arts Scheme in Eastern District - Dance on E Community Dance Project. 

Fostering community bonds by cultivating local residents' interest in street dance, it promotes communication and understanding between youth and the elderly while encouraging a sense of community. Through diverse activities, it contributes significantly to the enrichment of the lives of both young people and the elderly in the Eastern District.

Outstanding Achievement in Services to Dance - #DANCELESS complex 2023, Unlock Dancing Plaza

The Hong Kong Dance Award for Outstanding Achievement in Services to Dance is presented to Unlock Dancing Plaza for its #Danceless Complex 2023.

This contemporary dance festival aims to bridge gaps in the local performing arts scene by inviting both local and international groups to perform, engage in dialogue, and cultivate a diverse ecosystem of dance. The festival's commitment to facilitating profound exchanges between the dance community and the public, resulting in transformative experiences and forging connections that transcend traditional institutions, has established it as an indispensable asset to the Hong Kong dance community.