ReviewHong Kong Ballet brilliantly dances to Beyond, Queen and Depeche Mode in ‘Glam Rock’
Hong Kong Ballet’s ‘Glam Rock’ triple bill was a feast of popular music and dance that showcased its dancers’ versatility
Hong Kong Ballet (HKB) uses its annual show at the Academy for Performing Arts to present edgier, more modern programmes. This year’s offering was “Glam Rock”, a triple bill featuring the music of three rock bands: Depeche Mode, Queen and Hong Kong’s own Beyond.
Brilliantly performed, this was an entertaining evening that showcased the versatility and range of the company’s dancers and included two noteworthy premieres.
Hu and Mai have sensibly avoided too direct an interpretation of Wong’s lyrics, taking a more abstract approach. A central figure, perhaps representing the songwriter himself, alternates between dancing with passion and stepping back to become an observer as the songs move through different moods – idealism, anger, nostalgia and fortitude.
“I Am Angry” was a high point, an electrifying all-male group number whose dancers responded perfectly to the ferociously driving music. In contrast, the choreographers showed their command of complex partnering in a lyrical duet to the wistful love song “Like You”, beautifully danced by Ye Feifei and Ryo Kato.