Captivating movement: "In Light & Shadow" concludes Hong Kong Ballet's trilogy at Shanghai Expo.

The Hong Kong Ballet will present a trilogy of modern works on June 4 to kick off a dance series showcasing Hong Kong's diversity of performing arts at Shanghai Expo.

The programme "Summer Delight", to be performed at the Shanghai Oriental Arts Centre Oriental Opera Hall, will feature three dance pieces.

In "Firecracker", choreographer Yuri Ng transforms the traditional festive fantasy  "The Nutcracker" into a Hong Kong experience filled with events and memories starting from the late 1960s.

The second piece, "Steptext", features an astonishing interplay of human forms and movements. It is the work of William Forsythe, one of the world's foremost choreographers, known for his use of dramatic effects and high technicality.

Polish choreographer Krzysztof Pastor's "In Light & Shadow" completes the trilogy. This work blends the baroque spirit and music of Bach with the modern ballet form that translates elements of light and shadow into dramatic shapes and dance rhythms.

"Firecracker" will be Yuri Ng's second piece of work at Shanghai Expo. His earlier presentation of "Rock Hard", performed by the Yat Po Singers, was warmly received. He said the large stage at the Oriental Opera Hall will be ideal for the Hong Kong Ballet.

"More dancers are involved in several parts to create a lively and vibrant atmosphere," Mr Ng said.

Ballet master Liang Jing said: "Hong Kong Ballet is proud to be recognised as one of the best ballet groups in Asia, being famous for classical and modern dance.

"We are definitely honoured to represent Hong Kong at an international event like this, which allows us to showcase our skills and techniques to Chinese and overseas audiences."

Other Hong Kong dance performances at Shanghai Expo will include the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts' School of Dance's "Crossing Borders" on June 10 and "Arts-Travel-Two Cities" on June 12.

The City Contemporary Dance Company's "DELT - site-specific dance gala" will be held on June 19 and 20 while "Tales of Two Cities- Hong Kong-Shanghai-Eileen Chang" is set for June 25.

The Hong Kong Dance Company's "Qingming Riverside" will be performed on July 9 and 10.

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