Groovers trying to decide between jazz dancing, crazy hip-hop or a Broadway performance enjoyed all three varieties at a competition organised by local universities.
Nearly 200 dancing kings and queens from eight Hong Kong tertiary institutions flocked to the Inter-Varsity Dance Competition at Hong Kong Cultural Centre's Grand Theatre. The event was organised by UniDancity, a group of university graduates and dance lovers, who are not so upbeat about the future.
This year's contest might be the last, they said. Lack of funds, administrative headaches and misunderstandings with the universities had put the event's future in doubt, they added.
However, when the competition began, all the worries were set aside (albeit only for a few hours) and everybody had a rollicking time. The solemn theatre looked more like the Hung Hom Stadium, overwhelmed by deafening screams and applause from around 2,000 excited supporters.
Each of the 15 dance routines was unique in style and theme. The show combined trendy hip-hop with classical ballet. The competitors weaved their magic spell with stories about love, fate, adventure and sportsmanship - even war and terrorist suspect Osama bin Laden were not spared.
'The themes are more than just gimmicks; they show us how dance relates to our everyday life,' said DanceArt associate artistic director Andy Wong, who was one of the five adjudicators.