Get into the Festive Spirit with “The Nutcracker” Ballet

A classic Christmas tale returns to the Hong Kong  stage this December for all families to celebrate the festive season. “The Nutcracker”, composed by Tchaikovsky has proved to be a classic story for all ages to enjoy over the past few decades. Whether if you recognize certain tunes or your favorite characters, there is no reason to tantalize both your eyes and ears for a spectacular production by the Hong Kong Ballet. The music will be performed by the noted Hong Kong Sinfonietta and conducted under the baton of Judith Yan.

A quick sypnosis for those who haven’t yet been exposed to this holiday goodness.

Set on Christmas Eve, where house after house is decorated with Christmas ornaments.  At the annual party of the president, presents are given to his two children. But the most unique of all was from their godfather, a toymaker. A nutcracker carved into a shape of a man and is given as a present to one of the daughters, Clara. Fritz, who is jealous of the present purposely breaks the nutcracker but is repaired by her godfather and falls asleep with the Nutcracker in her arms.

As we all know, all things magical happen at the strike of midnight and Clara finds that everything around her is increasing in size, even the nutcracker. Out of nowhere an army of mice led by the Mouse King appears in attempts to destroy the Nutcracker. Clara is quick to save her precious toy from permanent damage and claim victory. The Nutcracker transforms into a human prince and takes Clara on a journey she will never forget. They encounter enchanted and beautiful creatures as they make their way through the snowy forest.

More peculiar characters appear when they reach their destination at the Land of Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy is impressed with Clara and Nutcracker’s bravery and heroism to defeat the Mouse King and celebrate with an array of music and dances.

The ballet ends with a spectacular final dance with Clara and the Nutcracker to conclude the night and bid farewell to the Land of Sweets.

Clara wakes up the next day from her sleep with the Nutcracker in her arms.

The first performance of The Nutcracker will be held on December 14^th 2012 and will run until the 26^th December 2012.  All performances will be held at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and commences at 7:30pm and 2:30pm for weekend matinees.

Tickets can be purchased at all URBTIX outlets or book online now at http://www.urbtix.hk

Visit the Sinfonietta Orchestra website at http://www.hksinfonietta.org for more details of upcoming concerts

Annual Arts and Music Festival “Clockenflap” Returns

Music, film, art and food (aka the best things in life) come together in the annual two-day festival known as Clockenflap. Events are held throughout various locations in Hong Kong with the aim to focus on the contemporary arts scene in the city, giving exposure to both established and up-coming local and international talents. This year, the festival being held at one of the most spectacular locations yet – West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade. If you are local to Hong Kong, you will know what I mean. The backdrop of the famous skyline, particularly at night, is definitely a treat for your eyes and if you haven’t been visited the area, spend a few hours during the weekend to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Founded by Jay Forester, Justin Sweeting and Mike Hill in 2008, their vision from right from the start was to establish Hong Kong as an international arts hub. Think Glastonbury, Itunes Festival and South by Southwest but with a heavy touch of multi-media. Now in it’s fifth year, the festival has only increased in popularity with each passing year and continues to attracts a variety of audiences passionate about everything to do with the arts.

If you are a film buff, be sure to check out the ‘Film Tent’ which has the capacity of 200 people. Don’t confuse this event with your typical trip to the cinema to catch the next big blockbuster. The Film Tent features an abundance of local and internationally produced independent short films, animations and music videos.

In terms of Art, you will be treated to several art installations of various shapes and sizes all of which will be displayed in the outdoors, a cool alternative to your traditional art gallery. Let’s just hope that it doesn’t rain.

The catering for the festival will most likely get you to go to the gym for the next week subsequent to the festival. Whether you prefer Western or Eastern food, the festival has everything covered from pizza, noodles, soup, pasta and the list goes on. So don’t bother preparing finger food or untoasted ham and cheese sandwiches the night before because you will definitely not need it.

Now onto the line-up for this year. Some of the bands that will be featured includePrimal Scream, Alt-J, Chet Faker, Sneaky Sound System, The Yours, and Noughts and Exes. This is the perfect way to find out about new music and new bands, so don’t miss out this exciting opportunity to memorize lyrics and repeat them over in your head and google them when you get home!

Tickets can be purchased from October 10^th onwards (details below) at all HMV stores. The festival will take place from Saturday 1^st December to Sunday 2^nd December at the West Kowloon Cultural District

Advanced tickets:
Adult Weekend: HKD590 (limited availability)
Adult Saturday/Sunday: HKD390
Student* Weekend: HKD490 (limited availability)
Student* Saturday/Sunday: HKD290
On the door tickets (subject to availability):

Adult Saturday/Sunday: HKD490
Student* Saturday/Sunday: HKD390

FREE ENTRY for children under 12 and accompanied by an Adult.
*Students are those in full time education in Hong Kong. Valid student ID must be shown upon entry.

Visit the official at http://www.clockenflap.com for more information about the festival

Hong Kong, Concrete Jungle Where Dreams are Made of

We all have our top 5 this, top 10 that when it comes to living in a certain city. So here are my top and bottom 5 on Hong Kong in no particular order

Top 5

1. Transport system here is puh-retty awesome. We’ve got trains (can I also mention that they are extremely clean) connecting every part of the city and still expanding to areas without stations, as if there were any left! Buses are on time and if you’re in a rush? no worries! We’ve got minibus drivers and taxis who think think they are driving Ferrari’s!

2. Dining. We’ve got a huge variety of cuisine’s in Hong Kong, you just have to search for them on side streets at times. Asians have the best snack food variety, hands down. I can guarantee that you will find what you are looking for here. If you are looking for something more sophisticated, you are definitely spoilt for choice.

3. I find it so great that we have people from all sorts of backgrounds. In the past, you would assume that if you saw a foreigner, they were automatically American or British, but now, if you listen carefully, although they might be tourists, you will be pleasantly surprized and somewhat shocked! I think Hong Konger’s are generally welcoming and make efforts to get to know you as a person as opposed to just judging you based on your ethnicity or nationality. You do get the odd stares and glares, but hey, we’re only human! Apologies in advanced because for all you know, we’re actually checking you out! (that did not sound creepy at all)

4. Shopping is absolutely fantastic! Hong Kong provides a whole range of international as well as local brands, which oftentimes can lead to extremely interesting fashion faux pas but nonetheless there is something for everyone! From markets selling clothes left, right and centre to your high fashion wear in the Hong Kong Island area, there is no doubt that if you paid a visit to Hong Kong, your wallets will be much lighter and your suitcases on the verge of exploding.

5. Nightlife is one of the things Hong Kong is known for. Whether you prefer to bust your ear drums at Lan Kwai Fong or Wan Chai, or go for a chill vibe at one of the more secluded, relaxing bars for a chat, there will be no shortage for both residents and tourists of the city.

Bottom 5

1. Why is everything so god damn expensive? Is it just because I am your typical twenty-something year old broke girl? Maybe. Shopping, dining and cinema prices are a few factors that contribute to making my wallet lighter and it is an ongoing process.

2. If you ever envisioned yourself moving out of your parents’ house after graduating university and experiencing the independent life, this is highly unlikely going to happen in your early to mid twenties, I am one of the victims. With outrageous prices for a small cubicle of an apartment, it is near impossible unless your parents actually want you out of the house and will pay for expenses, you win the lottery or if you’re lucky enough, landed your job that provides the ka-ching.

3. Population control. Seriously. We have about 7 million people that reside in Hong Kong. We have more people in this city than in some countries! Madness! Don’t know what I mean? Mong Kok, Causeway Bay, Central, shopping malls during the weekend. Enough said.

4. The arts scene is still relatively small here. Over the years I have seen improvement in the amount of International bands coming to perform in Hong Kong but it seems that because most parents pressurize their kids to get a score on a piece of paper, their artistic abilities are oftentimes neglected. which is a big shame and waste of talent in my opinion. Also Hong Kong is a financial hub, and most arts events, whether exhibition, concerts, galleries, theatre events etc. are quite low key unless you already have made a name for yourself as an established arts organization.

5. Basic manners and hygiene. If you happen to be here during the summer season in the trains during rush hour, expect to feel that everyone is invading your personal space. Since most people have just been on the streets, it isn’t particularly pleasant when they raise their arm to grab the handle bars and major BO alert. Pushing and shoving, quickly pressing ‘close’ on elevator doors so no-one else can enter the lift, sneezing without covering your mouth, burping as if to everyone know you’ve just devoured an entire herd of cows are just some of the things that you will encounter. One of the most disastrous experiences I’ve had was when this one person without any shame whatsoever decided to cut their nails on public transport. I couldn’t help but watch as my eyes followed the nails as they flew in different directions. Needles to say I felt bad for those sitting next to that person. Not necessarily something you get used to, but rather something you just have to deal with!

Have any of you visited Hong Kong? What were your first impressions of the city?