Hong Kong Tourism Board presents 'Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade'

Hong Kong Rope Skipping Team recreates Olympic moves

World dance championship performers debut on parade stage

Organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), the city’s largest Lunar New Year celebration, the ‘Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade,’ will take place in Tsim Sha Tsui on the first day of the Chinese New Year. Featuring a lineup surpassing last year’s, the parade includes nine dazzling floats and 46 performance teams from around the globe, promising a high-energy spectacle. Among the highlights are Hong Kong Rope Skipping Association, China and the local Chestroll Dance Crew, both winners of numerous international accolades.

Rope Skippers Energize Tsim Sha Tsui
Hong Kong, China Rope Skipping Delegation Team made its debut at the 2024 Paris Games as a demonstration event, and four Hong Kong representatives, including Lee Chon-meng and Ho Cheuk-ki, performed on the global stage. They will join 22 teammates to showcase Olympic-level stunts during the parade, alongside 11 elite skippers from Mainland, Australia, France, Japan and the U.S.

Lee Chon-meng, a Hong Kong team member from 2014 with 15 years of experience, is thrilled to perform for the first time in this iconic event. “Rope skipping has evolved into an innovative global sport. I hope this parade helps dispel the outdated perception of it being monotonous,” Lee said. His routine will blend gymnastics and skipping, including signature moves like the ‘Thomas Flare’ and ‘Tunnel Jump,’ which he performed in Paris.

Ho Cheuk-ki, who participated in last year’s parade, will present the dynamic Fusion Double Dutch style, which combines street dance and skipping. “I aim to bring more excitement this year, sharing our Olympic experience with the audience,” she said. Ho values the parade’s vibrant atmosphere and the chance to interact with spectators, likening it to a live concert where performers exchange energy with the crowd.

This year’s 24 skipping participants include current and former Hong Kong representatives, such as Pakhung Cheung, a two-time world champion in 2018 and 2021. The event also features top skippers from four continents, including an Australian athlete with 72 world titles and China’s top female skipper, a world record holder.

Tina Wong, chairperson of the Hong Kong Rope Skipping Association, China, emphasized athletes’ role as cultural ambassadors. “Representing Hong Kong in global events helps promote our vibrancy. As hosts, we’ve invited athletes who’ve never visited Hong Kong or Asia, helping to promote Hong Kong as a travel destination,” she added.

Chestroll Dance Crew’s Parade Debut
Marking their first appearance, the Chestroll Dance Crew will deliver an energetic performance. Founded in 2018, the group comprises professional choreographers, students, and working professionals. They’ve won numerous accolades, including the 2019 and 2023 World of Dance Hong Kong and the 2024 HARU Competition in Korea.

Oceann Wong, the Chestroll Dance Crew director and renowned choreographer, has collaborated with many artists like Keung To, Hins Cheung, and Fatboy, gaining extensive experience in large performances. Wong first participated in the parade as a dancer in 2011, and this year he returns as the crew’s director, eager to deliver the best performance for both local audiences and visitors.

The team will present a water-themed performance, showcasing techniques that won them the Korean award. The crew will create a ‘float boat’ with their bodies. Wong explained, “Floats are a highlight of the parade, so we’ve specially created a ‘float boat’ to symbolize the journey our performers take on stage.”

“The 25-member parade performances demand high energy to fill larger spaces. We have to condense our routine into 1 minute 45 seconds while engaging the audience to create an immersive experience,” Wong explained. Their repertoire spans Afro Dance, Krumping, and Urban Choreo, set to upbeat South African Amapiano music, aiming to energize the audience.

Wong views the parade as a rare platform for over 20 dancers to perform together, with the added bonus of live TV and global broadcasts boosting the crew’s exposure.

Launch of New Year Travel Guide to extend Festive Celebrations
To continue the festive spirit, HKTB will partner with the ‘Hong Kong Well-wishing Festival’, relocating floats and performances to Lam Tsuen, Tai Po, from January 30 to February 13. Visitors can enjoy upgraded shows of the Mainland and International Performing Groups on the second and third days of Lunar New Year. Selected performances will also be held at city malls, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

HKTB has launched a one-stop online guide highlighting Lunar New Year events, including the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade, the fabulous fireworks display, the Chinese New Year Raceday, and the Chinese New Year Cup on the first, second, third and fourth days of Lunar New Year respectively, as well as Lunar New Year fairs. Together with temple visits for blessings and other festive activities at popular attractions. the guide will give visitors spending the Lunar New Year in Hong Kong the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the city’s festive culture.

+1