Hong Kong Ballet (HKB) has cemented a landmark collaboration with London’s prestigious Royal Ballet School through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding, marking a significant leap forward for dance education in Asia.
The partnership, centered on the Hong Kong Academy of Ballet (HKAB), will unite the institutions’ expertise to elevate training standards and create cross-cultural opportunities for young dancers.
A shared vision for holistic training
The Royal Ballet School’s Director of Training and Access, Mark Annear, emphasized the natural progression of this alliance, noting the School’s thriving programs in Hong Kong since 2018.
"Our Intensive Courses and teacher training initiatives have already nurtured a vibrant dance community here," he remarked, underscoring the partnership’s potential to further enrich pedagogical approaches.
HKAB’s Associate Director of Training Irene Lo echoed this enthusiasm, highlighting the synergy between the institutions.
"This collaboration transcends borders, merging the Royal Ballet School’s legacy with our local insights to inspire the next generation of artists."
Hong Kong Ballet child dancers. (HKB)
Immersive programs launching this summer
The partnership springs to life with two flagship initiatives designed to empower both educators and students.
The "Inspire: Hong Kong Intensive" (August 17–22) will bring the Royal Ballet School’s world-renowned teacher training to HKAB’s studios.
Over six days, dance instructors will engage in hands-on seminars exploring classical technique, artistry, and innovative teaching methodologies. This program builds on the Royal Ballet School’s Affiliate Training and Assessment Programme (ATAP), which emphasizes holistic, student-centered learning over exam-driven syllabi.
From July 21 to August 2, 2025, HKAB’s Summer Intensive will offer rigorous training for dancers aged 5 to 16, blending classical ballet, pointe work, and contemporary dance under the guidance of international stars like The Royal Ballet’s Principal Dancer Mayara Magri.
The program culminates in a showcase celebrating students’ artistic growth.
As registrations open for the workshops, the collaboration signals a new chapter for dance in Asia—one where technical excellence and artistic innovation converge to shape the future of ballet.
Marco Lam (marco.lam@singtaonewscorp.com)
