Cover Septime Webre's The Nutcracker by the Hong Kong Ballet (Photo: Courtesy of The Hong Kong Ballet)

Three co-chairs join forces to organise the established dance company’s annual fundraising event, featuring the beloved holidays staple, The Nutcracker

The Hong Kong Ballet (HKB) will host the Christmas Benefit on Sunday, December 4 for the first time at Xiqu Centre in West Kowloon, which is the Hong Kong’s largest performing arts venue dedicated to Chinese opera.

The benefit will feature HKB’s hugely popular The Nutcracker by artistic director and choreographer Septime Webre, whose show puts a Hong Kong twist on the holiday season’s favourite show about the Sugar Plum Fairy, Clara and her friends in a magical kingdom premiered last Christmas to rave reviews. Premiered last Christmas to rave reviews, this production is memorable for its ability to incorporate local elements—such as dancing dim sum characters, dancers in ravishing qipao dresses—as well as its stunning set design, including a model of the historic Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum that serves as Clara’s home, and the ink artworks that decorate its hallway.

Don't miss: The Hong Kong Ballet Premieres the World’s First Hong Kong-Inspired Nutcracker this Christmas

Tatler Asia
Above The Nutcracker Christmas Benefit by the Hong Kong Ballet (Photo: Courtesy of The Hong Kong Ballet)

Tatler talks to Webre and the three co-chairs—Emily Lam Ho, Lillian Lee Fong and newcomer Emelda Wong Trainor—on this new Christmas classic for Hong Kong, and 2023’s season, which will feature a brand new production inspired by fashion queen Coco Chanel.

Tatler: What are your visions for the benefit this year?

Emily Lam Ho: I’m looking forward to maintaining and further pushing the high standards of ballet arts in Hong Kong with Septime, who has been incorporating aspects of Asian culture into the European arts form to create an amazing fusion [that acts as] a bridge between the west and the east.

We’re optimistic about having more people taking part in the benefit this year to raise community awareness for the importance of the arts. Their generosity really makes a difference in supporting and advancing ballet as a creative and artistic endeavor in Hong Kong.

Tatler Asia
Above Emily Lam Ho

Why was Xiqu Centre chosen for the benefit this year?

Lillian Lee Fong: Earlier this year, when Covid restrictions were still tight and live performances were not allowed in a dining setting, The Nutcracker Christmas Benefit Organising Committee had to quickly come up with other plans. We voted and decided that the Xiqu Centre’s Grand Theatre would be the best choice. We wanted to blend the eastern [design] elements of Xiqu Centre with the western artistry of ballet, and with Septime’s recreation of The Nutcracker instilling Hong Kong culture into the art form, this venue undeniably combines the best of both worlds.

Who will benefit from the proceeds?

Lam Ho: The funds will go towards HKB’s award-winning education and community outreach programmes that support underprivileged families and other underserved groups, and will subsidise half-priced tickets for local students [to enjoy shows throughout the year].

Emelda Wong Trainor: It’s important that ballet is accessible to all—the next principal dancer, award-winning costume designer or amazing artistic director may be in the audience.

Tatler Asia
Above Lillian Lee Fong

Where can people make donations this year?

Lee Fong: There will be live auctions, silent auctions and “Make A Pledge” during the benefit. We will use an auction system that allows guests to bid and donate through their mobile phones with just a few clicks.

For “Make a Pledge”, we are mainly supporting HKB’s new outreach and community programme, Dancing to Hong Kong’s Heartbeat. Donors can enjoy festive and fundraising activities, such as the Student Ticket Fund Donation Booth, Nutcracker Character Challenge and Christmas Tree Lucky Draw at the foyer.

Emelda, can you tell us a little about your history with HKB?

Wong Trainor: I joined The Nutcracker Christmas Benefit Organising Committee back in 2018, when my eldest daughter was three years old. This is my fifth year on the organising committee, and her fifth benefit and my younger daughter’s fourth. It has now become a huge part of our family tradition.

What are you looking to bring to the team as a new co-chair?

Wong Trainor: I have the utmost respect for my co-chairs, the previous co-chairs and the entire HKB team. Putting this annual event together is no easy feat, especially during the past few years. I hope I can support them as they continue to take this benefit to the next level.

Tatler Asia
Above Emelda Wong Trainor

This is the second year of HKB putting on the Hong Kong version of The Nutcracker, why is it important to bring it back this year?

Septime Webre: In premiering our new The Nutcracker last season, we hoped to create a new classic—a Christmas gift for the city we love. We plan to present it annually for years to come as a celebration of Hong Kong’s history, culture and natural beauty. So many details about Hong Kong are woven throughout the production. Hopefully Hong Kong people can see themselves in this rendition of The Nutcracker.

Has relaxed pandemic restrictions changed rehearsals leading up to the Christmas Benefit?

Webre: We’re thrilled that we can rehearse in larger groups. Dancers need to be inspired by other dancers, and it’s great that we can all rehearse as a team.

Don't miss: Here’s How a Hong Kong Ballet Principal Dancer Stays Performance Ready

Tatler Asia
Above Septime Webre (Photo: Courtesy of Worldwide Dancer Project)

Lee Fong: Adding to that, with the arts scene’s return, we hope to see Hong Kong thrive again. With the art of ballet gaining increasing awareness in the city, we hope that ballet can help foster a positive and vibrant attitude in the younger generations. Research has shown that dance can improve physical health, evoke positive emotions and help strengthen the wellbeing of the whole person.

How have you been coaching junior dancers for The Nutcracker’s mini performance?

Webre: Every Sunday, my colleagues and I come together to train these young artists of the future. Our show’s creative director Deirdre Fu and I, and the rest of the artistic team, are inspired by the passion and smarts of these young people.

Read more: Carmina Burana Meets Da Vinci and Bach in Latest Hong Kong Ballet Show

Tatler Asia
Above The Hong Kong Ballet's young dancers (Photo: Courtesy of The Hong Kong Ballet)

What impact can ballet—or performing arts in general—bring to the city?

Webre: Any great city needs both roots and wings. The roots are foundational things like housing, a good educational system, and prosperity for a city to function well. And we provide the wings—ballet and all of the arts allow people’s souls to soar. 

Lam Ho: Ballet opens up a dialogue between the individual and the community. It allows us to explore ourselves and share with others what we feel and think. It also serves as a unique cultural identity of the city. 

Wong Trainor: My husband and I come from very different backgrounds, but during the two hours we are enjoying the ballet, we are able to share the same beautiful journey. Ballet, and the performing arts in general, has the ability to transcend language, cultural and social boundaries.

Tatler Asia
Above Septime Webre's The Nutcracker by the Hong Kong Ballet (Photo: Courtesy of The Hong Kong Ballet)

What productions are you looking forward to seeing this season?

Lee Fong: I cannot be more excited about the Asian premiere of La Bayadere, a love story of eternal love, mystery, fate, vengeance and justice in our season finale. The setting is old Royal India with beautiful and rich colours in the dancers’ costumes and a captivating music score.

Lam Ho: Coco Chanel: the Life of a Fashion Icon. It celebrates the complex life of the 20th century’s most intriguing designer with an original score by Peter Salem, elegant sets and costumes by the award-winning Jerome Kaplan and artistic collaboration by Nancy Meckler. The world premiere of Coco Chanel will be an international sensation with its almost mythical rags to riches story.

Wong Trainor: Septime’s rendition of Romeo + Juliet that debuted in Hong Kong last year was just breathtaking. He retold Shakespeare’s classic in the 1960s Hong Kong. I am excited for ballet lovers in the US to be able to see this visually stunning masterpiece in New York next year.

NOW READ

Netflix’s ‘Wednesday’ Star Naomi J Ogawa on Working With Tim Burton, and Otherness

Hong Kong Arts Festival Enters a New Era

Here’s Why Art Tech May Hold the Answer to Understanding the Human Brain

Topics