A ballet production by Choong Wan Chin, Elynn Chew & Vu Dang
A Special Collaboration with the Shanghai Dance School
Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre, Pentas 1
Saturday, 2 November 2024, 8 pm
Sunday, 3 November 2024, 3 pm
This special collaboration with the Shanghai Dance School marks a significant celebration of World Ballet Day 2024 and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations. It is a historic occasion. Through “A Dance Memoir” we celebrate and deepen the connection between both nations. By joining forces, we aim to produce a performance that highlights exceptional talent from both countries and delight audiences.
“A Dance Memoir” is a unique and inspiring project that features 29 dancers: 17 junior dancers aged 10-15, selected from various dance schools, alongside 12 senior dancers. Among them are Liu Yuanjin and Wang Hanxi, two winners of the 2024 Asia-Pacific Pre-selection Awards, Prix de Lausanne, held during 28-29 September 2024, in Macau, China. They will participate in the global-level Prix de Lausanne in Switzerland in 2025.
The performance will depict a dancer’s journey from the early stages of ballet training to a mature understanding of life. Through this artistic expression, we hope to inspire audiences and underscore the significance of the pursuit of dreams -- with grit, determination and perseverance.
Ballet is an artistic dance form that originated during the Renaissance in 15th century Italy. Ballet equips aspiring dancers and athletes with the skills and discipline for success in various physical disciplines. Performed to music, it involves precise, light and graceful movements and gestures.
World Ballet Day is internationally celebrated, bringing together dancers and all who love this dance form. It unites individuals of all ages, from young children to senior citizens, from amateurs to professionals, creating a global community of dance enthusiasts. It is a celebration of joy, movement and expression that transcends borders and diverse backgrounds.
Grit, determination and perseverance: the beauty and grace of a dancer’s life and dream revealed.
Fluorescent
‘Seeds sown for tomorrow, elements of nature nurture.’
First steps of a little dancer,
gruelling practice in a systematic process ...
and the art and technique of ballet are instilled for a lifelong journey.
An original choreography of etudes and variations to the music of
P. Tchaikovsky, F. Chopin, J. S. Bach, A. Scriabin
*Swan Lake pas de deux courtesy of the Shanghai Dance School
~ Intermission ~
Facets
‘The flower blooms when it's time.
So delicate, so precious, we keep dancing.’
Life is beautiful, bitter and endearing.
Music by F. Schubert
Contemplation
‘Life, like the weather, could change ... in a flash’
Every life journey, every experience is .... unique to each person.
Yet, the strength of shared humanity carries us through the storms in life.
Music by J. S. Bach, F. Chopin
*Contemporary pas de deux '复调' courtesy of the Shanghai Dance School
Reverence
Music by F. Schubert