On 14-16 April 2017, over 160 enthusiastic children, ages 4-10, joined our sold-out Ballet Theatre Camp: Fairy Fantasy at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. Over the course of three days, four groups of students immersed themselves in various elements of a ballet production in a fun, interactive learning environment under the guidance of Hong Kong Ballet’s dancers. 

No matter if the children had previous ballet experience or not, everyone had the opportunity to learn more about the music and experience intricate ballet costumes up close, including the actual headdresses used in various ballets. Using their imaginations, the children decorated their own headdresses and created their own props, which included magic wands for Group A (ages 4-6) and crystal balls for Group B (ages 7-10). All the props and headdresses were featured during the Dance Demonstration on the last day of camp.  

As the Dance Demonstration for parents was the highlight of the week, the children spent a lot of time learning ballet movements to prepare for their final performance, working hard to master choreography custom tailored for them by the Company’s dancers. They were also thrilled to incorporate gossamer fairy wings into their performance. Following a brief warm-up session, the audience raptly watched their children earnestly dance to music from Don Quixote. Additionally, the students demonstrated ballet positions and taught their parents interesting mime gestures that they had learnt during camp. All their hard work and efforts paid off, and the demonstrations were enthusiastically received. The heartwarming performances concluded with group photos and each student receiving a Ballet Theatre Camp participation certificate from Company dancers.

We would like to acknowledge the following professionals and Company dancers for their unwavering dedication and tireless support to make Ballet Theatre Camp: Fairy Fantasy such a success. Their patience and care for the children truly showed their passion for sharing their knowledge and experience with the next generation of dancers. A heartfelt thanks to: Hong Kong Ballet dancers Yu-yao Liu, Peggy Pui-ki Lai and Sharon Leung; former Hong Kong Ballet dancer Irene Kam; Education and Community Outreach Department Manager Vency Kwok, music instructor Cynthia Chan, props and sets Instructor Aya Mok and the Company’s Wardrobe Department.

 We are thrilled that these students spent a very meaningful Easter holiday learning more about the complex world of ballet – from dance movements, music and costumes to sets, props, story and mime. We hope to see their smiling faces again at future activities!