150 students from six Hong Kong primary schools experienced the Le Corsaire Creative Ballet in Practice Project during eight exciting months of training in dance, behind-the-scenes techniques and costume design. The engaging activities included creating fun props like treasure boxes with eco-friendly materials, decorative shells for coral fish and colourful marine creatures as part of the sets. Additionally, students made their own unique headdresses and necklaces alongside their parents during one of the costume workshops. Currently in its 18th year, the innovative Creative Ballet in Practice Project was initiated by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and is presented in partnership with Hong Kong Ballet.
During April and May 2018, participating schools presented their Finale Performances, as the students proudly shared their new knowledge and skills with their parents and classmates. In addition to ballet dancing, students used drama techniques to help convey Le Corsaire’s pirate adventure story as well as managed the scene changes on stage! The student performances were very impressive, judging from the prolonged enthusiastic applause from the 3,300 audience members. Participating schools include Christian Alliance Toi Shan H C Chan Primary School, Shun Tak Fraternal Association Ho Yat Tung Primary School, Holy Cross Lutheran School, Ching Chung Hau Po Woon Primary School, Shek Wu Hui Public School and Fuk Wing Street Government Primary School.
After every show, each student received a personalised certificate and met with their instructors to give feedback about their experience during the Le Corsaire Creative Ballet in Practice Project. Instructors also shared various performing arts resources to encourage students to continue to build upon what they have learned. Audience members then had the opportunity to listen to the students’ thoughts and feedback as well.
Our deepest thanks goes out to the principals and teachers of the six participating schools, Scriptwriter Mann Chan, Dance Instructors Eunice Lai and Connie Lau, Costume Designer and Instructor Jerman Chu, Behind-the scenes Instructor Phoebe Koo, the Technical Team at Hong Kong Ballet and all the dedicated volunteers who helped out backstage. We could not have done it without your time, hard work and enthusiasm!
