A Lifelong Dedication to Dance

Cheng Wai-yung

Cheng Wai-yung is a Council Member of the Chinese Dancers’ Association, a member of the Board of Directors and Honorary Chairman of the Hong Kong Dance Federation, Chancellor of Starwave Dance Academy and Artistic Director of Starwave Production. Born in 1936, Cheng is now in her 80s. Since graduating from Hon Wah Middle School (now Hon Wah College) (Hon Wah) in 1955, she has been active in Chinese dance education for more than 60 years. Apart from managing her dance school and serving as a public servant in various capacities, she has been a judge for and advisor to the Hong Kong Schools Dance Festival over the years. In the 1950s and 1960s, Hon Wah was one of the cradles for dance development in Hong Kong. With its close ties to dance organisations in the Mainland, the school had greater resources in terms of teaching materials, teachers and opportunities for learning and exchange compared to other dance organisations in Hong Kong at the time. Members of the school’s dance team were in a position to contribute to dance development in Hong Kong both during their school years and after graduation. As a Hon Wah alumna, Cheng still plays an active role in the school’s activities. This feature interview traces her experience in dance starting from her study of dance at Hon Wah.

Dates of interview:
(First interview) 9 May 2016
Location: Starwave Dance Academy
(Second interview) 3 April 2017
Location: Starwave Dance Academy
Recorded and noted by: Joanna Lee Hoi-yin
Translated by Nicolette Wong