2024
November
Movement Festival 2024, organised by Eaton HK
The Eaton HK Movement Festival took place on November 23-24, 2024, in the hotel's G/F lobby, bringing together performance enthusiasts, hotel guests, diners, and hotel staff to experience carefully curated movement performances in unusual spaces. The festival emphasized site-specificity, with no stage, allowing performers, audience members, and passersby to share the same environment.
Beyond Bollywood was honored to participate in this event, presenting the session "Colors of India" on the night of November 23. This performance showcased vibrant Bollywood dance accompanied by energetic beats, as well as folk dances from the Indian states of Gujarat and Rajasthan. These performances celebrated themes of love, joy, and the vibrancy of life.



October
HKPAX 2024 - Performing Arts Expo
BEYOND Bollywood participated in the GroundSearch of the Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo (HKPAX), showcasing a dance performance with gong meditation on October 15 at the West Kowloon Cultural District Arts Pavilion. This platform highlights small to medium-sized local performing arts groups, bridging Hong Kong's talent with the global arts community. The performance, titled In Search of Motherland, is a new cross-cultural experience that combines gong meditation with various dance forms, including Bharatanatyam, contemporary, and Chinese dance. The wonderful performance featured the Beyond Bollywood team, including Kirsten Margaret Iona Newell, Saraswati KC, Li Li, Leung Wing Kiu, Lo King San collaborating, with Gong Therapist Una, exploring the relationship between people and the land while celebrating its rhythms, growth, joys, and struggles. This empowering and immersive experience was further enhanced by the soothing sounds of the gong.




September
Dance performance at Hong Kong International Airport
BEYOND Bollywood showcased a vibrant series of Indian dance performances at Hong Kong International Airport, held from September 26 to 28, with a total of 12 live shows. Passengers from around the world enjoyed the joyful experience of Indian dance, reflecting the multicultural vision promoted by both the airport and Beyond Bollywood. As an international city, Hong Kong embraces diversity, and the dance performances from the Indian community exemplified this value. Breaking language barriers, the performances transformed Indian dance into a universal expression of joy and love, shared with people from all corners of the globe. A special photo session attracted many tourists, creating memorable moments during their travels.




August
The 2nd HK International Inclusive Dance Festival 2024
The 2nd Hong Kong International Inclusive Dance Festival, organized by the Centre for Community Cultural Development and co-hosted by Beyond Bollywood and the Eaton Hotel Hong Kong, was held from August to October 2024. The festival aimed to create an inclusive and supportive artistic platform for individuals with diverse physical and mental characteristics. It provided opportunities for participation and expression, showcasing a rich array of inclusive dance forms while promoting the development of contemporary dance in Hong Kong. This year, the festival expanded its participant community further, creating opportunities for individuals with different physical traits to engage and express themselves, inviting everyone to dance in their own way.
The event included 12 online and in-person workshops, 6 local tours, 6 free screenings and seminars, 4 performances featuring both local and international dancers, and 2 themed exhibitions.




June
Indian Mangoes Cultural Fest 2024
Beyond Bollywood participated in the Indian Mango Cultural Fest organized by the Consulate General of India in Hong Kong on June 10. This vibrant event, centered around the theme of mangoes, encompassed a variety of activities, including Indian classical music and dance, chair yoga, laughter yoga, and cooking demonstrations of mango-themed dishes. After enjoying all the talks and workshops, the event concluded with an energetic Indian dance performed by Beyond Bollywood, celebrating the richness of Indian culture.



June
Indian Festival Events Talk (Organiser: Intangible Cultural Heritage Office)
The "Meet the Masters!" series, organized by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Office, aimed to deepen the public's understanding of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) through skill demonstrations and interactive discussions.
Beyond Bollywood was honored to be one of the speakers in this series. The program, titled "Indian Dance of Hindu Festivals," took place on June 29 at the Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage Centre (located at the Sam Tung Uk Museum). The event included an engaging talk featuring speakers Harry Baath and Sun Chau, along with a demonstration that highlighted the vibrant traditions of Indian dance. The talk included an introduction to Indian festivals such as Diwali and Dussehra, an overview of associated dance forms like Bhangra and Garba, and an interactive experience for participants to join in the dances.




April
The 5th Arts-in-school partnership scheme 2024
Beyond Bollywood participated for the third time in the Arts-in-School Partnership Scheme, collaborating for the first time with AD&FD POHL Leung Sing Tak College to co-organize the India Dance Culture Festival on April 6 and 7. The event, titled 歡「印」之舞文化祭 (India Dance Culture Festival), plays on the homophone "歡欣" (joy), which is commonly used in Christian contexts, aligning with the Easter holiday.
The festival features vibrant Indian festival dances, celebrating happiness and festivity. Each day includes free public programs, including two Indian dance performances: My Life on the Fringe and An Encounter with Ganesha.
In addition, the festival includes a Dance Exhibition and Indian dance workshops suitable for all ages, featuring activities like henna painting and traditional Indian costume try-ons. There were also Indian dance experience classes taught in English.




February
Cathay Pacific International CNY Night 2024
Beyond Bollywood proudly participated as one of 29 performing groups in the Cathay International CNY Night Parade 2024, held in Tsim Sha Tsui on February 10, an unforgettable celebration of the Chinese New Year. The name of our performance is Let Your LIGHT Shine (發光發亮). We showcased the vibrant diversity of Indian dance, highlighting Indian rich cultural heritage. Under the guidance of five talented dance leaders, our team of 32 performers delivered a captivating array of cultural expressions. This collaboration underscored the significance of inclusivity and diversity, allowing us to share the beauty of Indian traditions with the Hong Kong community. The parade was not just a performance; it was a joyous gathering that fostered connections and celebrated the spirit of togetherness during this festive season.



February
Lingnan University (The World Of Cultural Dances In HK - Bhangra dance and Kuchipudi dance))
Within the framework of Lingnan University’s liberal arts education, the Wong Bing Lai Music and Performing Arts Unit (WBLMP) has been organizing music and arts courses to enrich students’ learning experiences and facilitate cultural encounters on campus. Beyond Bollywood was invited to conduct two workshops: a Bhangra dance workshop led by Harry Baath on February 7, and a Kuchipudi dance workshop led by Kirby Wong on February 21. These workshops not only introduced participants to different styles of Indian dance but also showcased traditional Indian dance costumes. In addition, the instructors taught attendees some basic dance steps, enhancing their appreciation of Indian dance culture.




January
Dance drama - Krishnarpanam
Krishnarpanam was a vibrant dance drama held on January 26 and 27 at the Hong Kong City Hall. Featuring over 20 talented dancers, this performance brought to life India’s rich tapestry of traditional dance styles, captivating audiences with its dynamic choreography and storytelling. Set against the backdrop of a modern art gallery, the dancers acted as storytellers, weaving the ancient myth of Krishna through their movements. This enchanting fusion of dance and narrative offered a unique experience that celebrated the cultural heritage of India.
The Dance. Trace — Origination exhibition took place from January 25 to 26 at the Hong Kong City Hall Exhibition Hall. This exhibition showcased the story of Krishna, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism, through a series of curated artworks. Divided into five thematic areas, it connected Krishna’s life and dance culture to the origins of Indian dance. Visitors explored various aspects of Indian beliefs and traditions, guided by the symbol of the swastika, which represents blessing and good fortune.




