The Butterfly Lovers
An eternal love that defies all expectations. Reimagined by an international team of creative minds together with Hong Kong Ballet’s Choreographer-in-Residence Hu Song Wei Ricky and Mai Jingwen, The Butterfly Lovers is a legendary Chinese folktale about humble scholar Liang Shanbo and aristocratic heiress Zhu Yingtai, who disguises herself as a boy in order to study at a prestigious academy. From innocently meeting as students and forging a strong, immediate bond to dangerously rebelling against centuries-old forces that threaten to keep them apart, the lovers face unexpected challenges at every turn, as secrets are revealed and a shocking family betrayal ultimately seals their fate.
With a sweeping original score by acclaimed Chinese composer Tian Mi with New York City Ballet Orchestra under the baton of Lio Kuokman (The Philadelphia Inquirer as “a startling conducting talent”), this powerful tale of forbidden love and filial duty features Academy Award winner Tim Yip’s (movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Webre’s The Great Gatsby) visually stunning sets and costumes that bring to life a world with traditional and modern elements. Transcendent and uplifting, The Butterfly Lovers is a glorious fusion of inspiring dance, contemporary Chinese aesthetics and eternal hope.
This production won 6 major awards at the 26th Hong Kong Dance Awards 2025, including Outstanding Choreography and Outstanding Ensemble Performance.
‘A Triumph of Choreography ‘
--South China Morning Post
‘Full of emotional power, with brilliant choreography which blends classical ballet with Chinese dance to striking effect, an outstanding score, ingenious designs and moving performances, The Butterfly Lovers looks set to be a signature ballet which could help propel the Hong Kong troupe onto the international stage.’
--South China Morning Post
‘The explosive drum dance of the gangsters is sinister and violent.’
--Hong Kong Economic Journal
‘The designer is Tim Yip who won an Oscar award for his designs for the film “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”. His costume and set designs are most spectacular.’
--Hong Kong Economic Journal
Creative Team
Concept and Choreography: HU Song Wei Ricky
Libretto and Associate Choreographer: MAI Jingwen
Music: TIAN Mi (inspired by HE Zhanhao and CHEN Gang’s The Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto)
Music and Orchestral Arrangement: ZHOU Chuhang, LUO Geng, ZHANG Qun, ZHANG Qiandan, ZHANG Boning
Set and Costume Design: Tim YIP
Design Supervisor: Jin YAU
Associate Costume Designer: Mandy TAM
Costume Design Assistant: LAI Wing Ki
Assistant Set Designer: Matthieu CHU Siu Ming
Set Design Assistant: Katie CHOW Tsz Wing
Video Design: William KWOK, Yicai WANG
Lighting Design: YEUNG Tsz Yan
Sound Design: Roy CHEUNG
Orchestra: New York City Ballet Orchestra
Conductor: LIO Kuokman
Photography: Tony Luk, Conrad Dy-Liacco