China Dance Forward 2014 City Contemporary Dance Company They’re young, gifted and united by a passion for modern dance. And this month, 16 choreographerswill stage their shows for China Dance Forward 2014, the event organised by City Contemporary Dance Company. Now in its third year, the two-day programme is a showcase of works by choreographers from the mainland, Taiwan and Hong Kong. “We have a clear artistic positioning for selection – the works of young choreographers focusing on meticulous body movements,” says artistic director Willy Tsao Sing-yuen. He believes the event is a much-needed platform for those who are relatively unknown but have the skills and talent to go further. “It’s a great start for those choreographers who truly reflect the necessary integrity,” says Tsao. “These artists have proven themselves to be the most promising, showing youthful dimension through their bodies, and through the most simple of costumes and props. “Like before, it provides a platform for the top dance-makers of the next generation, from the three areas to meet up again in Hong Kong and perform.” Hailing from Beijing, Taipei, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Xian, Nanjing and Changsha, the choreographers’ works will provide a montage of innovative and diversified dance. Works by Hong Kong choreographers include Pak Wei-ming’s TINT , and Rex Chiu, Lokin So and ARChing Tang’s The City of Crime . Other participants include Taipei’s Liu Yen-cheng and Tsai Po-cheng, Beijing’s Yang Zhen and Gu Jiani, a four-member choreography unit from Guangzhou’s Figure Theatre, as well as Wu Haiqi,Wang Junjian, Cao Wei and Hu Qingqing, each from a different Chinese city. “The choreographers – and the audience – will get the chance to see and explore the present and the future of Chinese modern dance,” says Tsao. “Some of the participants come from top dance academies, others are independent dance artists from different cities in the region. “These choreographers may be young, but, in my opinion, they represent the future of Chinese modern dance.” Eileen Lee Mei-yu, City Contemporary’s project co-ordinator, says the programme will be varied, incorporating all forms of modern dance – even hip hop. “We will see the different styles of modern dance from the three different areas. It will be an interesting show,” she says. kylie.knott@scmp.com Sheung Wan Civic Centre Theatre, 5/F Sheung Wan Municipal Services Building, 345 Queen’s Road Central, February 14 and 15, 8pm, HK$140, HK$200 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7323
