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  4. When tap dance interacts with drum music
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    18 November 2024

    On a stormy afternoon in early September, as soon as typhoon signal 8 is lowered, Ken is already back in his studio with his team, keeping everyone on their toes for the upcoming LCSD community cultural ambassador programme. The idiom aptly depicts their devotion come rain or shine, as well as the performing arts they have been promoting – tap dance. Ken introduces his passion this way: “Tap dance is dance, it is also percussion performed with the feet.” 

    Ken Kwok

    Photo courtesy: R&T 

    “Not only must dancers master dance skills, but also possess an analytical ear for music.” 

    Hailed as the “King of Tap Dance in Hong Kong”, Ken reminisces about how his interest in dance began. “I was fascinated by Aaron Kwok and Michael Jackson when I was in F.4. My friend and I enrolled in a summer course at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.” Later, at the same institute, he pursued a 4-year Theatre programme in Musical Dance, where he had his first taste of tap dance. 

    “The rhythm is what attracts me most,” says the dancer-cum-musician as he beats out a dynamic rhythm.

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    Tap dance, as Ken points out, is far from mainstream in Hong Kong. That’s why since he founded R&T (Rhythm & Tempo) in 2008, he has spared no effort to engage the public through a variety of activities, such as classes, street and stage performances, and the Hong Kong Tap Festival. The people he has taught range from 5 to 70 years old, including visually impaired individuals. 

    In recent years, his troupe has been actively involved in cross- disciplinary collaborations. On 8 December this year, they will share the stage with Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (HKCO) in West Kowloon Cultural District at Drum Carnival, which is part of the “One Beat, One World: Connecting through the Drum” series organised by HKCO and presented by Chinachem Group. The ensemble is poised to charm the audience with a feast of percussion combining both hand and foot techniques. “We have especially selected a jazz piece, expecting a fresh interpretation from its Chinese music rendition. Additionally, a Japanese dancer will join us on stage for another performance. I am so looking forward to the chemistry between us and these artists,” states Ken, adding that there will be interactive elements to connect with the audience.

    Looking back on how his passion for dance has transformed his life over the past 20 years, Ken shares, “I’m an introvert, or you might say I have social phobia. Dance has enabled me to express myself through body movements, revealing a different side of me. Had I not taken up tap dance, I wouldn’t be the person I’m today.” Motivated by his own personal journey, the young man now advocates for “One Life, One Art”, aiming to enrich the lives of everyone in the city through their chosen art forms.

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