Hong Kong Ballet in New York
NEW YORK (FOX 5 NEWS) - East meets West at the Joyce Theatre where the Hong Kong Ballet is performing. Founded in 1979, it is one of Asia's top ballet companies but until recently hadn't been widely recognized internationally.
Jai-Bo Li is the company's principal dancer. He was hooked on ballet after taking his first class at age 11 and he says a mashup of classic and contemporary styles is what makes the Hong Kong Ballet different. Its repertoire includes everything from modern commissioned pieces to "The Nutcracker." For Li, performing in New York is a gift. He says there is nothing quite like a New York City audience.
Vanessa Lai calls dancing with the Hong Kong Ballet a dream come true. Now she is encouraging other young people to follow their dreams. She says she practices every day, and when she is not practicing she is thinking about it.
The Hong Kong Ballet is wrapping up its North American tour. The Hong Kong Ballet performs at the Joyce Theatre through Sunday, March 20, 2016.