How Sergei Prokofiev’s “Romeo and Juliet” Ballet Inspired a Contemporary Qipao Designer

The ballet “Romeo and Juliet,” composed by Sergei Prokofiev in 1935 and first performed in 1938, stands as one of his seminal works. It sets Shakespeare’s tale of star-crossed lovers to a modern soundtrack, capturing every emotion from romance to drama to humor. Julie Liu, founder and designer at the Hong Kong-based contemporary qipao brand Qipology, recounts how this ballet transformed her life.

Ballet was a significant part of my childhood and teenage years. I trained for 14 years, starting at the age of four, with practices four times a week. Ballet was my passion, and I even dreamed of becoming a ballerina. I was born in the United States, raised in Hong Kong, and later attended university in the UK. Our family frequently visited the UK, and it was there, in London, that I saw my first ballet – “Romeo and Juliet” by the Royal Ballet. I was around 10 years old at the time.

Though I didn’t fully grasp the story at that age, I was captivated by the dancers’ elegance, the beautiful costumes, the music, and the serious atmosphere of the performance. This profound experience inspired me deeply. My fascination with the dancers led my mother to enroll me in a summer ballet camp in London. However, being away from my parents proved difficult, and I realized then that a professional dance career was not my path.

The ballet dancers’ beauty and their flowing chiffon costumes significantly influenced my current work. It ignited a passion that led to the creation of Qipology. My designs are heavily inspired by the elegance of ballet. I aim to create qipaos that are not only stylish but also comfortable—an essential quality for both dancers and modern women, especially in Hong Kong’s hot climate. Many of our clients wear our qipaos for dancing due to the high slits and stretchy, breathable fabric that allows ease of movement.

My background in dance helps me understand the importance of comfort and confidence in clothing. I want my clients to feel as poised and graceful as ballerinas on stage. A few years ago, the Hong Kong Ballet staged a Chinese-influenced version of “Romeo and Juliet” where some dancers wore qipaos. Witnessing this fusion of cultures and art forms felt like a full-circle moment for me.

Ballet instilled in me the values of perseverance and discipline, which are crucial in running a business. Just as in ballet, success in business requires grit, hard work, and dedication. There is no shortcut to success; effort and persistence are key to achieving results.

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