The Hong Kong Tap Festival, in its landmark 10th edition, went beyond just showcasing performances; it stood as a testament to the fifteen incredible years of dedication by its presenter, R&T (Rhythm & Tempo) – the sole full-time professional tap dance company in Hong Kong. With each foot tap and rhythmic sequence, the festival became a harmonious blend of Hong Kong’s local talent and international expertise.
The festival’s grand gala was more than just a series of performances. It was an encapsulation of R&T’s tireless efforts in both pioneering and championing tap dance within the city. The gala stage reverberated with an eclectic blend of energies hailing from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Shanghai.
A myriad of performances encompassing group routines, dynamic duos, and scintillating solos illuminated the stage. Some sequences swayed to the tunes of recorded tracks, while others resonated with the live rhythms of a talented four-piece jazz ensemble. Two solos from Japanese maestros were particularly noteworthy. Yuta Hori, popularly known by his stage alias Pori, delivered a magnetic performance in ‘Softly as in a Morning Sunrise,’ brilliantly interacting with Bowen Li, the pianist and band leader. Meanwhile, Ikki Yonezawa mesmerized with his impeccable rhythm and control during his rendition of ‘There Will Never Be Another You.’
South Korea was in the spotlight with the spectacular competitive sequence titled ‘Arirang,’ featuring the talented duo of Kwon Oh-hwan and Kim Soon-young. Kim further showcased his vocal prowess with the song ‘Feel Like Making Love’, while Park Ji-hye, with her performance in ‘Well You Needn’t,’ reiterated that tap dance has no gender boundaries.
A fusion of comedy and rhythm was evident in ‘4 Men at the Airport,’ a piece choreographed by Pori. This performance, infused with humor and the universal frustration of flight delays, featured an ensemble cast including Pori, Kwon, Reco Cheng of Taiwan, and Ken Kwok from R&T.
Representing the local talent of Hong Kong, ‘Just the Two of Us’ emerged as a delightful romantic duet by Eve Leung and Marix Ho, showcasing the gentler nuances of tap dance. On the other hand, Wong Tan-ki, primarily recognized for his contributions to contemporary dance, presented a complex routine set to the melodious tones of the ballad ‘Moonlight in the City.’
The evening’s crescendo was the finale, with dancers and guest choreographers like Yukiko “Smilie” Misumi from Japan and Hong Kong’s own Mandy Petty gracing the stage. Petty, having been at the forefront of tap dance education in the city for over four decades, received a heartwarming ovation. Her legacy as an inspiration to countless local dancers was evident, as she effortlessly displayed her timeless skills.
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