Welcome to the Circus
Special lighting effects, acrobats and clowns greeted some 350 guests at the Academy Ball, the annual gala in aid of students of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
Acrobats and clowns greeted more than 350 guests as they entered the Lyric Theatre late last year for the Academy Ball, the annual gala in aid of students of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. The circus-themed event was emceed by Esther Ma, who dressed in a ringmaster’s outfit for the occassion. After welcoming everyone, she introduced gala chairwoman Winnie Chiu, a member of the executive committee of the Society of the Academy for Performing Arts.
Guests enjoyed a sumptuous meal orchestrated by Grand Hyatt executive chef Gerhard Passrugger, who conceived a menu that fitted the theme of the evening. Guests raved about the first course in particular, Gerhard’s interpretation of traditional circus fare—a dish that incorporated popcorn, nachos and cheese puffs. Performances by the academy’s dance and drama students provided plenty of entertainment, including scenes from The Greatest Showman. The evening concluded with a live auction, which saw five lots go under the hammer for well above their estimates.