The Carol Bateman School of Ballet, nestled in the historic Helena May building in Hong Kong, marks a significant chapter in the city’s dance history as it celebrates its 75th anniversary. Founded by Carol Bateman, a dance teacher who relocated from Shanghai to Hong Kong, the school has been a pivotal institution in nurturing some of the city’s most prominent ballet dancers and teachers. These luminaries include Jean M. Wong, Stephen Kwok Sai-ngai, Christine Liao, Rosalind Lee, and Pearl Chan Po-chu.
The school’s legacy continues under the stewardship of Joan Campbell, who began teaching in 1954 and assumed leadership in 1967. Campbell’s contribution to ballet in Hong Kong is monumental. She introduced the Royal Academy of Dance ballet examination, now a staple in the city’s dance education. At 92, Campbell, a recipient of the Member of the Order of the British Empire award and a fellowship from the Royal Academy of Dance, continues to be the school’s guiding spirit.
Karen Campbell, Joan’s daughter-in-law, currently manages the school and maintains its esteemed reputation. The Carol Bateman School of Ballet holds an esteemed place in Hong Kong’s ballet education history, according to Stella Lau Yin-ling of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA). The school has been instrumental in the development of numerous dancers who have significantly contributed to both local and international dance.
Gillian Choa, the first female director of the HKAPA, credits her performing arts career to her foundational years at the Carol Bateman School of Ballet. Annelise Connell, one of Campbell’s early students, fondly remembers the nurturing environment and the excitement of performances and costumes.
The school’s alumni, like Grace Mak, have continued the tradition of ballet teaching, contributing to the city’s rich dance tapestry. The growth of ballet in Hong Kong, evolving from its early stages to an art form accessible to diverse backgrounds, has been remarkable, as noted by Lau.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unique challenges, leading to training disruptions and performance limitations. However, it also spurred creativity, with many dance schools, including the Carol Bateman School of Ballet, adapting to virtual dance classes and online training programs.
Reflecting on her lifelong dedication to dance, Campbell acknowledges the need for continuous evolution to meet new challenges. She envisions expanding the school’s offerings, including classes for adult women, as part of its enduring commitment to dance education. As the Carol Bateman School of Ballet steps into its next chapter, it remains a beacon of ballet excellence in Hong Kong, shaping generations of dancers and enriching the city’s cultural landscape.
READ MORE: