Cover Hong Kong Ballet's executive director, Heidi Lee, with the Nutcracker Christmas Benefit 2025 co-chairs
Charlotte Tsuei-Robinson, Emily Lam Ho and Emelda Wong Trainor
Hong Kong Ballet's executive director, Heidi Lee, with the Nutcracker Christmas Benefit 2025 co-chairs Charlotte Tsuei-Robinson, Emily Lam Ho and Emelda Wong Trainor
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The Hong Kong Ballet Guild’s signature fundraiser brought the magic of ballet to life with the Nutcracker Christmas Benefit, raising vital funds for community programmes and charitable causes, with Tatler Hong Kong proudly supporting as a long-standing media partner
On December 14, the Hong Kong Ballet Guild hosted its much-anticipated annual fundraiser, The Nutcracker Christmas Benefit 2025, at the Grand Theatre of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The festive event welcomed more than 400 distinguished guests who gathered to support the arts and give back to the community.
The afternoon began on a reflective note, with a moment of silence for those affected by the Tai Po fire. Guests were then treated to an enchanting children’s performance of artistic director Septime Webre’s The Nutcracker, featuring Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. Forty-one children, aged 3 to 11, donned bespoke costumes and danced among life-sized sets, sharing the stage with Hong Kong Ballet’s acclaimed dancers. The performance not only celebrated the timeless magic of ballet but also planted the seeds of a lifelong love for the arts in the youngest participants.
The Nutcracker Christmas Benefit 2025 organising committee members: Pennie Zong, LeighAnne Zhu, Charmaine Lee Yeung, Mia Xu, Wendy Wong, Candace Sohmen, Maya Lin, Jolene Lin, Fion Li, Amilia Violet Lasar Li, Charlotte Tsuei-Robinson, Emily Lam Ho, Emelda Wong Trainor, Adrienne Li, Zoe Chen Leung, Jennifer Ann Lee, Jennifer Feng Lau, Bonita Lam, Jun Kwok, Ariel Shtarkman, Krisztina Anspach, Jasmine Fok and Jennifer Cheung
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Tatler Hong Kong, a proud and long-standing media partner of the Hong Kong Ballet, was delighted to support this meaningful occasion. The Benefit’s live and silent auctions, alongside the Make a Pledge campaign, raised funds for vital initiatives, including Hong Kong Ballet’s Accessibility Fund and the Dancing to Hong Kong’s Heartbeat 4.0 programme, which extends ballet to seniors and underserved families. Additionally, proceeds will provide support to victims of the Tai Po fire, highlighting the event’s commitment to uplifting the community.
The afternoon’s success was made possible by the efforts of the Benefit’s co-chairs—Emily Lam Ho, Emelda Wong Trainor, and Charlotte Tsuei-Robinson—and the dedication of the organising committee. Special thanks were extended to the event’s generous sponsors and patrons, whose support ensures that Hong Kong Ballet continues to thrive as a cultural beacon.
As Hong Kong Ballet celebrates The Nutcracker’s fifth anniversary and 100th performance, the Benefit was a reminder of the power of art to unite, inspire and create lasting impact.
Credits
Photography: courtesy of the Hong Kong Ballet
As Content Director at Tatler Hong Kong, Tara shapes the brand's editorial vision across social, digital and print, and reports on Asia's most influential figures — from CEOs and leaders across business, style and the arts. In her dual role as Head of VIP, she also drives the planning and execution of Tatler's flagship IPs, curating star-studded events and building 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.
