Co-presented with

A legendary Chinese folktale reimagined by
an international team of creative minds

An eternal love that defies all expectations. Reimagined by an international team of creative minds together with Hong Kong Ballet’s Choreographer-in-Residence Hu Song Wei Ricky and his choreographer wife Mai Jingwen, The Butterfly Lovers is a legendary Chinese folktale about humble scholar Liang Shanbo and aristocratic heiress Zhu Yingtai, who disguises herself as a boy in order to study at a prestigious academy. From innocently meeting as students and forging a strong, immediate bond to dangerously rebelling against centuries-old forces that threaten to keep them apart, the lovers face unexpected challenges at every turn, as secrets are revealed and a shocking family betrayal ultimately seals their fate.

With a sweeping original score by acclaimed Chinese composer Tian Mi in collaboration with New York City Ballet Orchestra under the baton of Lio Kuokman, this powerful tale of forbidden love and filial duty features Academy Award winner Tim Yip’s (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Webre’s The Great Gatsby) visually stunning sets and costumes that bring to life a world with traditional and modern elements. Praised by the South China Morning Post as ‘a triumph of choreography’ and ‘full of emotional power’, The Butterfly Lovers is a glorious fusion of inspiring dance, contemporary Chinese aesthetics and eternal hope.

Six Awards at the 26th Hong Kong Dance Awards
Outstanding Choreography
Outstanding Large Venue Production
Outstanding Performance by a Female Dancer
Outstanding Ensemble Performance
Outstanding Set and Costume Design
Outstanding Music Composition