The Hong Kong Ballet Ball: Its history and evolution, how it brings communities together and its ability to spread the joy of dance

As one of the most anticipated events on Hong Kong’s cultural calendar, the Hong Kong Ballet Ball brings together art enthusiasts, philanthropists and ballet aficionados

Tatler caught up with the people behind the ball: Daisy Ho, Janice Chan-Choy and Maya Lin who are co-chairing this year’s Hong Kong Ballet Ball for the Hong Kong Ballet (HK Ballet); as well as Michelle Miller Erb and Christy Liang, who are the ball’s committee members and who have been instrumental in organising this year’s gala dinner at the Rosewood Hong Kong on October 13. Read on about their vision and the exciting highlights that await guests this year, and get to know other committee members including Carmen Choi, Reyna Harilela, Shirley Hiranand, Christopher Ho, Porcia Leung, Anne Wang Liu, Connie Wei Yang, Liana Yung Yeung and Stephen Yeung below.

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How does the annual Hong Kong Ballet Ball align with HK Ballet’s values and mission?
Ho: As HK Ballet celebrates its 45th anniversary next season, we are proud that our annual Hong Kong Ballet Ball is one of the longest-running fundraising balls in Hong Kong. One of our aspirations is to foster inclusivity and engage diverse communities throughout the city. The Ballet Ball serves as a platform through which we introduce innovative initiatives that cultivate an interest in arts and culture. We continuously strive to enhance ballet appreciation and create an enduring legacy of artistic excellence and cultural enrichment.

We place the holistic wellness of our dancers at the forefront, recognising that their health, development, and overall well-being are of paramount importance. The funds raised at The Ballet Ball play a crucial role in nurturing their talent, dedication, and drive. These contributions enable us to provide them with regular physiotherapy sessions, supply new pointe shoes, and facilitate artistic exchanges that enrich their education and training.

This year, The Ballet Ball introduces the “Make a Pledge” campaign, which directly benefits our dancers. We extend an invitation to everyone, regardless of whether they are attending the event, to contribute and make a difference. Individuals become integral to fostering well-trained and healthy dancers who consistently deliver outstanding performances. Not only do they contribute to elevating the reputation of our company, but also shaping the cultural landscape of our city. By investing in the future of ballet through The Ballet Ball, we pave the way for a vibrant arts community.

Credit: Photography by Affa Chan. Location: Hong Kong Cultural CentreHi ResHong Kong Ballet May 2023Ph Affa Chan

Above Daisy Ho (Photo: Affa Chan / Tatler Hong Kong)

As co-chairpersons, what are your roles and responsibilities for this event?
Ho: I wear several hats during the Hong Kong Ballet Ball’s planning and execution. First and foremost, I work closely with my team to determine the Ball’s overall vision and goals in alignment with Hong Kong Ballet’s mission of making ballet accessible to everyone, nurturing local talent and actively engaging with the community. I also help to identify potential donors, sponsors and table patrons who make the evening possible through their generous support and ensure that everything is in place for a fabulous event!

Chan-Choy: I identify and recruit key organisers for the ball in the form of dedicated committee members who contribute to the event. I also do my best to engage with patrons and sponsors to secure financial support for the ball.

Lin: Overseeing the production aspect is another key area of focus, which includes venue selection, catering, décor and technical support. Advocacy of the importance of arts and culture, including ballet, in the society, is a fundamental goal for us.

Above Janice Chan-Choy (Photo: courtesy of the Hong Kong Ballet)

How has the Hong Kong Ballet Ball evolved over the years?
Chan-Choy: It has grown in both scale and prestige. From financial institutions, esteemed individuals and luxury brands, the Ballet Ball has been sponsored by some of the most prominent names. It has attracted more diverse guests and featured more innovative performances and entertainment [over the years]. We are especially grateful to Cartier, Rosewood Hong Kong, Guerlain and Perrier-Jouët for their sponsorship and generous support this year.

With the funds raised from the annual ball, Hong Kong Ballet has created fresh, new productions like The Nutcracker (2021) and Romeo and Juliet (2020), which are quintessentially Hong Kong in ethos. I am thrilled that the world premieres of these shows, as well as our recent Coco Chanel production, have attracted much attention and recognition worldwide. Fundraising efforts through events like our annual ball have elevated the Hong Kong Ballet’s cultural impact.

Can you tell us about the history of Tatler and the Hong Kong Ballet Ball?
Chan-Choy: Tatler has done a tremendous job over the years in supporting and highlighting both local talent and arts and culture patrons. A big “thank you” to Tatler for spotlighting all those who have helped Hong Kong Ballet grow successfully—be it the dancers, the artistic directors, the management team or the patrons and board members. Tatler has helped shape the views and opinions of our social-cultural landscape. Hong Kong Ballet’s partnership with Tatler contributes to the overall strength and vibrancy of the arts ecosystem in our community and helps create a supportive environment for cultural institutions to thrive.

Above Maya Lin (Photo: courtesy of the Hong Kong Ballet)

What has been your favourite Hong Kong Ballet Ball to date and what made it so special?
Chan-Choy: Every ball is so, so special. Whichever brand sponsors it brings its own brand aesthetics, values and engagement to the event. Each one leaves me with an unforgettable emotional experience and lasting memories.

Lin: In both my professional career and through my charitable work over the years, I have had the chance to organise many gala events. I always feel more strongly for [events] related to arts, culture and children. These events resonate more with me for their innocence and aspirations.

Erb: The first Hong Kong Ballet Ball I attended was in 2018 and it was The Great Gatsby-themed. It was like being transported into the world of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel as a guest at one of Jay Gatsby’s legendary parties. I’m thrilled Hong Kong audiences will have another chance to see Gatsby again this season [when the show opens late October].

Liang: This year’s ball promises to be the most memorable one yet for me. Not only will my daughter be making her debut in The Great Gatsby this fall, but I also take great pride in knowing that my efforts towards the Ballet Ball directly contribute to enhancing the performance experience for her and her fellow dancers. This unique connection between my involvement in the ball and my daughter’s participation in the production creates a profound and heartwarming bond that makes this year’s event truly exceptional.

Above Christy Liang (Photo: courtesy of the Hong Kong Ballet)

What can attendees expect in terms of performances, speakers or other highlights?
Lin: This year’s gala theme is The Black and White Ball: Where Light and Shadows Dance. In line with that, this year’s ball will feature breathtaking performances showcasing the Hong Kong Ballet dancer’s talents and dedication to the art of ballet. We will also have exciting auction items and experiences to entice generous sponsors and donors. All funds will contribute towards supporting the Hong Kong Ballet’s artistic and educational initiatives.

Liang: The upcoming ball is an exciting event for the Hong Kong Ballet, and it holds a deeper significance beyond celebrating ballet. This year’s theme of The Black and White Ball: Where Light and Shadows Dance was chosen with a dual purpose. Firstly, it symbolises our commitment to societal inclusion within the performing arts community. In Hong Kong, as in the world of ballet, we recognise the importance of embracing diversity and providing equal opportunities for artists from all backgrounds. By showcasing the elegance and unity represented by the black and white theme, we aim to encourage the arts to be a platform where everyone’s differences can be celebrated.

Secondly, the theme pays homage to the rich history of the first black and white ball [hosted by Truman Capote], a dazzling affair dating back to the ’60s and held at the iconic Plaza Hotel in New York City. The inaugural black and white ball brought together individuals from diverse social backgrounds at a time when this was simply unheard of. By revisiting this iconic event through our theme, we highlight the role of the arts in fostering positive societal change within Hong Kong society. This year’s ball aims to continue that legacy, emphasising that ballet, like society itself, thrives when it embraces diversity.

Above Michelle Miller-Erb (Photo: courtesy of the Hong Kong Ballet)

Can you elaborate on the specific programmes or initiatives that will benefit from the funds raised?
Lin: Over the years, our annual ball has enhanced its philanthropic initiatives. To support the organisation’s mission to engage the community in meaningful ways, funds such as the Dancers’ Sponsorship Fund, Accessibility Fund and Student Ticket Fund offer an expanded benefit. Our focus this year is to raise awareness of dancers’ health and well-being. As we know, ballet is rigorous and physically demanding, dancers often face risk of injuries. Funds raised at this year’s ball will be used to provide access to healthcare services, physical therapy and mental health resources. This ensures that dancers can perform at their best while maintaining optimal physical and emotional wellbeing.

Erb: On stage, the funds raised at our annual ball directly contribute to Hong Kong’s ability to produce an exciting and unique repertoire that reflects the vibrant culture and energy of the city. Off stage, the funds raised provide crucial support to Hong Kong Ballet’s Accessibility Fund, ensuring that the broader Hong Kong community can access and enjoy ballet year-round. This initiative extends a helping hand to underserved individuals by offering complimentary tickets to performances and open-dress rehearsals, providing them with a chance to experience the magic of ballet. The funds raised at the ball seek to continue to bring the magic and joy of ballet to all.

Liang: We believe that ballet should be a form of art accessible to all. The funds generated by the ball play a significant role in supporting this mission. They allow us to offer scholarships, train the next generation of ballet dancers, create outreach programmes and host community performances that make ballet education and appreciation accessible to a wider audience.

Above Janice Chan-Choy and Christy Liang (Photo: courtesy of the Hong Kong Ballet)

Above Maya Lin (Photo: courtesy of the Hong Kong Ballet)

How does the Hong Kong Ballet Ball strengthen its connection with the local community?
Liang: Community engagement and support for the Hong Kong Ballet Ball are of paramount importance. Our commitment to accessibility in ballet and nurturing the next generation of dancers is deeply intertwined with our commitment to invest in the local community. Since its inception in 1985, the ball has been a very iconic tradition for the Hong Kong Ballet and for our city. It provides a key platform for the corporates, the backbone of our financial centre, to contribute back to the arts industry. The ball serves as a vital platform to reinforce this connection.

One of our newest educational programmes, Dancing to Hong Kong’s Heartbeat, embodies our dedication to community outreach. This programme brings the beauty of ballet to underprivileged communities, including low-income families and the elderly. It’s designed to enrich lives and create a sense of belonging for everyone through the magical world of ballet.