Hong Kong contemporary lion dance tour showcases traditional elegance with modern twist across United Kingdom (with photos)
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) supported Hong Kong performance art group TS Crew's tour across three cities in the United Kingdom (UK), namely, Bournemouth, Manchester and London. The tour brings 10 performances and cultural exchange workshops in local school as well as community-inclusive studio.
The Director-General of the London ETO, Mr Gilford Law, delivered an introductory message before a cultural exchange workshop held at the Talbot Primary School in Bournemouth on January 31 (London time) to kick start the tour. "TS Crew's lion dance exemplifies Hong Kong's unique East-meets-West culture, making it the ideal centre for international cultural exchange. Our city's social calendar in 2024 is filled with exciting events, from the artistic Art Basel Hong Kong to the thrilling Hong Kong Sevens. I invite you all to visit Hong Kong and experience the dynamic and ever-evolving spirit of our beloved city."
Founded in 2017, TS Crew brings an innovative reinterpretation of lion dance and Chinese Opera to audiences around the globe. Their performance, titled "No Dragon No Lion", skilfully blends elements of beatboxing, martial arts, tricking, and parkour, creating an electrifying fusion that pushes the boundaries of performance art. "No Dragon No Lion" was the winner of the Asian Arts Award for Best Show in the 2022 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and was nominated for Best Entertainment/Musical/Dance and Best Show under the DarkChat Awards of the 2023 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
TS Crew held cultural exchange workshops at the Talbot Primary School, Bournemouth on January 31, and the studio of Company Chameleon in Manchester on February 5. The "No Dragon No Lion" performance was staged at Ocean Theatre, Pavilion Dance South West, Bournemouth on February 2. The group will hold more workshops and stage performances in Manchester as well as London until February 13.
