Cover The Hong Kong Ballet Ball took place on October 13 (Photo: Zed Leets/Tatler Hong Kong)
The Hong Kong Ballet Ball took place on October 13 (Photo: Zed Leets/Tatler Hong Kong)
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The famed Hong Kong Ballet Ball returned to the city on October 13 at the Grand Ballroom of the Rosewood Hong Kong
The ball’s theme this year was The Black and White Ball: Where Light and Shadows, drawing inspiration from Swan Lake and the triumph of light over darkness. The event also paid homage to the Black and White Ball, the famed 1966 masquerade ball hosted by Truman Capote at the iconic Plaza Hotel in New York City.
Led by Hong Kong Ballet’s chairman Daisy Ho and board of governors Maya Lin and Janice Chan-Choy, the black-tie affair played host to high-profile individuals this year, including Jane and James Louey, Ming Ho and Sherman Tang, Patricia Tung-Gaw and Alison Chan El-Azar, who sat at tables named after iconic characters and ballet productions, including Odette and Odile from Swan Lake and Sugar Plum Fairies from The Nutcracker.
Sherman Tang, Ming Ho Tang, Edward Cheng, Louisa Cheng, Norman Ho and Yvette Ho
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Dazzling performances by Hong Kong Ballet’s dancers, choreographed by Ricky Hu, under the leadership of the organisation’s artistic director Septime Webre and featuring Leslie Cheung’s 1984 hit Monica and 2001 release I Am What I Am, at the cocktail reception and during dinner, captivated the audience and had them cheering on with excitement. The dancers showed off their artistry with a repertoire that seamlessly blended classical ballet with contemporary choreography.
Beyond its splendour and entertainment, the ball held a deeper purpose. As the flagship event of the Hong Kong Ballet, it supports the Hong Kong Ballet’s artistic and educational initiatives. “Standing on the cusp of our 44th year and looking forward to our 45th anniversary next year, I reflect on our remarkable evolution. We’ve transformed from a small and humble ballet school to an internationally renowned ballet company. Our artistic excellence has soared, and the overall quality of our performances has reached unparalleled heights,” said Ho on stage. “Tonight’s event has been five years in the making, so let’s not just raise funds—let’s raise hopes, dreams, and Hong Kong's cultural spirit.”
Alison Chan El Azar, Adelene Chan, Eleanor Lam and Feiping Chang
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Afterwards, chef and Hong Kong Ballet committee member Christopher Ho—who also emceed the event—encouraged guests to dig deep into their pockets to raise funds for the Dancer’s Sponsorship Fund and Accessibility Fund, which support dancers’ mental and physical well-being, as well as enhance access to ballet for disadvantaged groups in the city. Within minutes, HK$800,000 was raised, with Ho pledging HK$50,000 herself. Ho later thanked her two co-chairwomen, Janice Chan-Choy and Maya Lin, for their unwavering commitment to the ballet, while Liana Yung Yeung a committee member of the Hong Kong Ballet spoke about the significant contributions the organisation has made to the city’s art and cultural development. “We wish to make a lasting impact, creating a legacy of accessibility, creativity, and cultural richness that will resonate in the years ahead.’
The sentiment echoed throughout the room that evening. The return of the Hong Kong Ballet Ball marked a significant milestone for the city’s cultural scene; not only was it symbolic of a renaissance of the arts after a challenging period, it also solidified its position as a pinnacle event in the city’s social and cultural calendar, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.The evening ended with a bang, as Ho and Webre took centre stage to kick off the afterparty. As the music filled the room, the dance floor came alive—a testament to the transformative power of dance.
Credits
Photography: Zed Leets/Tatler Hong Kong
As Content Director at Tatler Hong Kong, Tara shapes the brand's editorial vision and reports on Asia's most influential figures — from CEOs and business leaders to designers. In her dual role as Head of VIP, she curates star-studded events and builds the relationships and communities that define the brand. Born and raised in the Middle East, she honed her craft in Dubai, crafting communication strategies for luxury brands across the Gulf. Follow her on Instagram @tarasobti.
