Swan Lake
Creative Ballet Animateur Scheme 2015/16 –
Finale Performance and Sharing Meeting
Currently in its 16th year, the “Creative Ballet Animateur Scheme” saw 150 students from six Hong Kong primary schools experience an exciting eight months of training in dance, behind-the-scenes techniques and costume design, with parents participating in one of the costume design classes. Activities included creating props like wine glasses with eco-friendly materials, decorative horses for hunters and colourful masks. This innovative project was initiated by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and presented in partnership with Hong Kong Ballet.
During April to June 2016, participating schools presented their Finale Performances, with the students proudly sharing their new knowledge from the past eight months of hands-on training. Braided headbands with colorful feathers and sparkling royal crowns were some of the decorative headdresses of the performers as they danced in front of a lake setting that magically transformed on stage with the help of special LED lighting and sound effects. The student performances were excellent, judging from the enthusiastic response from the approximately 3,300 audience members in attendance. Schools represented include S.K.H. Ho Chak Wan Primary School, Christian Alliance Toi Shan H C Chan Primary School, Alliance Primary School, Whampoa, Holy Cross Lutheran School, S.K.H. Ling Oi Primary School, and Ching Chung Hau Po Woon Primary School.
After every show, there was a Sharing Meeting where each participating student received a certificate and met with their instructors to share about their experiences during “Creative Ballet Animateur Scheme”. Instructors also share different opportunities of continuing learning in performing-arts to encourage students build on what they have learned. Audience members 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; Script Writer Mann Chan; Dance Instructors Eunice Lai, Connie Lau, Queenie Chan and Sydney Ho; Costume Designer and Instructor Lacey Li; Behind-the-scenes Instructor Aya Mok; the Technical Team at Hong Kong Ballet and all the volunteers who helped backstage. We could not have pulled it off without your time, hard work and enthusiasm!
