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VANESSA ASSARASAKORN

SHAO NIAN YAU
	HK Dance Company
 
The latest offering by the Hong Kong Dance Company is a cross-generational collaboration with a contemporary spin on traditional Chinese and Asian dance repertoires. Curated by veteran choreographer Yuri Ng Yue-lit, Shao Nian Yau consists of five short works on the theme of cultural legacy.
Wander Through the Moonlit Night, an "old" Chinese dance piece first choreographed in the 1950s by Chen Ailian, proved difficult for newcomer Cindy Lam Yin-yi. "Few girls want to dance the 'ancient' piece. They think it's outdated. It's also very challenging," says the 25-year-old.
"Chinese dancing evolves as time passes, and technique changes. To go back to the ideals of more than 50 years ago requires a different kind of strength with smaller motions. The movements are slower, but the results are powerful and natural," she says.
Choreographer Mui Cheuk-yin picked 12-year-old Lam Tsz-yu to perform her work Eulogy. "It's the story of a girl learning and growing with the piece. By the time she's 18, she will know the whole solo," says Ng. "This little girl is looking to find her own footsteps; she dances bravely. We saw potential in her strength, guts, and determination, and we found that an inspiration."

Speaking as an ageing dancer, Ng says he has high hopes for the young dancers: "They are the inspiration for this whole show. We crafted it all together — I listened to their stories, and they saw what our generation did. The focus of the show is exploring how to pass on our choreography, our ideals, and our values."
On the bill are award-winning works such as Drifting Through the Wind, a duet between Lai Man-wai and Dee Lai, who present two pieces of contrasting styles. One is an all-male dance in the style of the Hmong, an ethnic group from the mountainous regions of China, Laos and Vietnam, while the other is an ethnic Korean-Chinese dance.
"After the curtain call, the performers will fade away without a proper exit. This symbolises the way that new generations arrive as time passes; those in the present fade away, leaving room for the next generation," Ng says.
"It questions the way we come to grips with time. How do we interact with each other, and treasure the little moment of existence that we have? In Hong Kong, people don't interact. They waste that time. That is selfish.
"On stage, we cannot afford any selfishness. As an old dancer, I want to pass my knowledge on to the younger generation, and hope they themselves pass what they inherit on to further generations," Ng says.
Kwai Tsing Theatre Auditorium, 12 Hing Ning Road, Kwai Chung, February 6-7, 7.45pm, February 8, 3pm. HK$150-HK$260 Urbtix. Inquiries: 3103 1806


Shao Nian Yau explores dance through the generations

Remember me: Yuri Ng (above) and Chen Jun (top) pose with their younger selves.

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The latest offering by the Hong Kong Dance Company is a cross-generational collaboration with a contemporary spin on traditional Chinese and Asian dance repertoires. Curated by veteran choreographer Yuri Ng Yue-lit, Shao Nian Yau consists of five short works on the theme of cultural legacy.
