Upclose with Allan Lam
Dancing between Hong Kong and New York for over 20 years, choreographer Allen Lam tells why he chose our city for his new production.
HK Magazine: So, why Hong Kong?
Allen Lam: For a couple of reasons. Firstly, I have a mission. Hong Kong really needs people to work in choreographic work and dance education, and I want to be one of them. Secondly, it’s difficult to be a choreographer in New York as there’s too much competition. Here, I have the chance to cooperate with leading dancing groups like the Hong Kong Ballet; I’d never have that chance in New York.
HK: How do Hong Kong audiences differ from those in New York?
AL: A Hong Kong audience’s ability to interpret an artwork is not as good as it is in New York. They say “I don’t understand,” but they seldom seek the answer. I’ve devoted myself to dance education these past few years in an attempt to improve the ability of Hong Kong audiences to appreciate art.
HK: How have you adapted your work to cater to Hong Kong tastes?
AL: I’ve simplified my style somewhat to better communicate with my audience. Art is all subjective; I want them to at least understand the surface meaning, though a more sophisticated audience can get even more from the performances. Hong Kong audiences are actually better than before. They’re better at interpreting what they see and they are also willing to think as they watch.
HK: How would you describe your work?
AL: My work is usually people-oriented. I love to explore and reveal the delicate relationships between people. Hong Kong is a tiny city, and that makes it a unique one. I put the things that are happening around me into my work. For instance, I have used the reactions of Hong Kong people to the demolition of historical buildings as the core idea of my coming performance.
HK: What style of dance would you say describes you best?
AL: It would be a dance that breaks boundaries. It’s hard to think of just one style that describes me as I refuse to be restricted by anything in my dancing. I’d like to try what I haven’t tried, although I know what I can do better and what I cannot. In musical performances, you have to use different instruments for different kinds of music. But in dance, you have to use the same body for different kinds of dance. That’s why you have to be versatile.