Dance To New York

Article taken Time Out Hong Kong

The crowds, buildings, history and energy of Macau are turned to dance in Tides of Change, a special presentation by New York’s Amy Marshall Dance Company. The show draws on the memories, experiences, and impressions the city has left on professional dancers and choreographers Amy Marshall, Stella Ho and Candy Kuok.

In a new program sponsored by the Macao Cultural Centre, Dance to New York (www.dancetonewyork.blogspot.com), this summer Macau natives Kuok and Ho spent three weeks in the Big Apple training with the AMDC, to promote cultural exchange between the cities, and nurture talented local artists. AMDC is a small New York-based modern dance troupe, which has won critical acclaim in its eight short years for original choreography and intense performances.

Ho, who has trained in Chinese classical and folk dance since the age of six, was inspired by the dedication and passion her contemporaries. On the Macau duo’s blog, she describes New York as a place where there is, “so much to explore, learn and experience.”

As well as allowing exchanges between Macanese and American artists, Dance to New York was an opportunity for two of Macau’s top dancers to collaborate. Kuok writes, “I believe we definitely lack this kind of communication amongst local choreographers and dancers, which would have a positive effect on the development of dance [and] performing art in Macau.”

Tides of Change focuses on the change and growth Macau has undergone in the artists’ lifetimes, and was inspired by conversations about construction, the SARS outbreak, gambling, economic fluctuations and uncertainty about the future. The AMDC will also perform company repertoire pieces Fire of the Dove, Unharvested and Homeland.

Annie Gotterson