Yang Yuntao - Artistic Director of Hong Kong Dance Company

Artistic Director of Hong Kong Dance Company

“We all know that Hong Kong is a very open international city, but at the same time we must not forget that it is also a very oriental and elegant place.” -Yang Yuntao

Many would say that the dance world is small, but when you look at the various types of dance styles out there, and the culture and history behind it, it is much bigger than you could ever imagine.

In this exclusive interview with Yang Yuntao, the Artistic Director of Hong Kong Dance Company, we learn about the company’s mission of preserving traditional Chinese Dance, while also bringing this traditional art form into this current day and age.

Despite Hong Kong’s diversity and modernity, it is amazing how Hong Kong Dance Company (HKDC) follows the flow of the country— upholding traditions while excelling in innovation.

Yang Yuntao finds it crucial to preserve traditional dance, as he believes that amongst the freedoms of performance and creation, extensive learning is still a necessity.

Like all dance forms, traditional dance requires immense training, but it doesn’t stop there.

Unlike ballet or contemporary dance, traditional dance not only requires interest and enthusiasm, but most importantly a steadily focused mind.

This doesn’t mean that Chinese dance can only be practiced by grown ups, as it is also a form that children can learn. Why should we learn Chinese Dance? For one, we can learn and understand so much about the rich cultural heritage of Hong Kong through its history of dance and music.

Find out what else Artistic Director, Yang Yuntao has to say about Hong Kong Dance Company, how it influences and is influenced by the city.