Theme was disappointingly tentative on the opening night but came together well at the second performance, led by Chantel Elizabeth Roulston and Wei Wei with all guns blazing. Wei showed a good understanding of the Balanchine style and gave a superb account of the main male solo with its multiple double tours en l’air while Roulston zipped through the technical intricacies with blinding confidence and an infectious sense of fun.

In the second sectrion, the grand pas de deux from The Sleeping Beauty saw the principal role debut of corps de ballet member Liu Yu-yao, who confirmed her promise as a dancer of exceptional lyricism and fluidity of movement. In the same role, Faye Leung was splendidly regal and assured, partnered well by Zhang Yao whose solo included an impressive mančge.

The pas de quatre choreographed by HKB’s Artistic Director John Meehan for Swan Lake makes a delightful showpiece - clever, demanding and witty. I particularly like the element of friendly competition among the dancers and the slight difference in timing in the two male soloists' variations which creates a counterpoint effect, rather than the conventional approach of both doing the same step at the same time. Both casts were excellent and Kyoko Tomimura’s solo absolutely breathtaking.

There were more fireworks from Jin Yao, who gave a glittering performance in Balanchine’s Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux. It was a particular pleasure to see Nobuo Fujino return to HKB from the Australian Ballet in the same piece, partnering a playful Leung. His stagecraft and charisma will be a great asset to the company and he looked as happy to be back as Hong Kong audiences are to have him back.

For The Way Alone, Stephen Baynes has made an eclectic but satisfying selection of Tchaikovsky’s music including excerpts from The Liturgy of St John Chrisostom. The piece portrays in an abstract fashion how while we may make connections of love or friendship with others in our lives, we ultimately remain alone. Technically, the outstanding feature is the highly original and demanding double work for the whole cast, culminating in two extended duets performed magnificently by Faye Leung and Brett Simon. I had not seen Baynes' work before and was impressed by his musicality and ability to create mood. Spiritual, meditative and melancholy, this is a beautiful work, enhanced by Bacchus Lee’s elegant set design and Billy Chan’s atmospheric lighting. It marks a milestone for HKB as the company’s first commissioned work with the potential to enter the international ballet repertoire.

Venue : Shatin Town Hall, New Territories, Hong Kong
Dancers : Roulston, Wei, Liu, Leung, Zhang, Tomimura, Jin, Fujino, Simon

A version of this review previously appeared in the South China Morning Post