Lifetime Achievement Award – Professor Shen Shir Ming
The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to Professor Shen Shir Ming, not in this case for the mammoth achievements in her academic career, but for her dedication to dance development in Hong Kong. Shen is a quiet but observant colleague whose insights are always highly valued.
Prior to her stellar academic journey of more than 40 years, Shen started her career as a ballet teacher at the Jean M Wong School of Ballet, and continued to contribute selflessly to the promotion of dance despite her already packed schedule and duties. She has been a Director of the Hong Kong Ballet Group since its incorporation, and was also the Vice Chairperson of Hong Kong Dance Company. Shen’s constant presence in the dance scene and her generous sharing of her expertise has benefited her colleagues greatly.
At a time when dance was not as accessible, Shen introduced dance education into the HKU SPACE curriculum, and still sits as the secretary on the Tsinforn C. Wong Memorial Scholarship Committee - her work has revolutionised the Hong Kong dance scene and popularized dance education for all. She has continuously supported the local dance community in various positions, whether as a member of the Dance and Multi-Arts Panel of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Advisor to the School of Dance of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, or as an Expert Adviser to the Arts Capacity Development Funding Scheme.
Shen is a supportive and positive visionary. Her dedication to dance development in Hong Kong has been an inspiration to the entire sector.