History:
The Hong Kong Ballet Group, the oldest existing ballet organization in Hong Kong, was formed as a non-profit organization in July 1964 by a group of local ballet teachers to pool resources so that their students could have the opportunity of performing on stage, such experience being a vital part of this performing art-form. The first two performances were presented by the Hong Kong Music Department in 1966 and 1969. 1973 was a turning point in the history of the Ballet Group, when Dame Margot Fonteyn became our Patron, the Governor's wife became the Honorary Patron and Mrs. Sally Leung became the President. Heinz Bosl, a wonderful German artist, partnered Dame Margot Fonteyn in the fundraising performance for the Ballet Group at the Lee Theatre in 1974. With the sudden death of Mr Bosl shortly after the event, a Scholarship was launched in his memory. Cliff Lui was the first recipient of the Scholarship for studying at the Royal Ballet School for one year. A second scholarship was formed in 1991 and named after Dame Margot Fonteyn who had inspired and supported the Ballet Group for 18 years. Performances have been given regularly and our repertoire included most favourite classical ballets such as Giselle, Swan Lake, La Sylphide, Sleeping Beauty etc
The Ballet Group had also toured to Macau, Singapore, Guangzhou and Shenzhen and the performances were all very enthusiastically received. Since its inception in 2000, the Hong Kong Young Ballet Stars Award has come to be recognized as the one impartial ballet competition open to all ballet students of Hong Kong. Entrants, in levels according to age and gender, compete in front of a panel of adjudicators of international professional caliber. Talents were identified and encouraged by awards and scholarships to study at overseas summer programs. Over the years, the membership of the Ballet Group has grown from a small group of supporters to hundreds of members. The recent Young Ballet Stars Award has drawn almost 1000 participants and 3000 audience. Many of the Ballet Group’s participants and scholarship recipients have subsequently developed successful dance careers, becoming professional dancers and choreographers at world renowned ballet companies.
