HKAPA

With more than 30 years of experience dedicated to the dance industry, Mr. Sang Jijia has established a reputation as a well-regarded choreographer and dancer on the international dance scene. He is currently serving as the Resident Choreographer at the City Contemporary Dance Company (CCDC).

Mr. Sang became the first Asian dancer to be selected for the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative. As a result, he had the opportunity to work with renowned choreographer William Forsythe, and went on to become a dancer and choreographer at The Forsythe Company. Thanks to Mr. Sang’s exceptional artistic talent and innovative approach, he has created captivating works that have mesmerised audiences around the world. His creations blend Eastern philosophies with contemporary techniques and multimedia elements, resulting in powerful and visually striking performances that explore complex themes.

Over the course of his career, Mr. Sang has created numerous works for prestigious institutions including the Academy, CCDC, Beijing Dance/LDTX, the Guangdong Modern Dance Company, and various local and international dance ensembles. His works have graced stages across the Mainland, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Europe. Noteworthy international commissions include Standing Before Darkness (2004); Not Here / Not Ever (2013); Pa/Ethos (2015); As It Were (2018) and Re-mark (2018).

Mr. Sang is a staunch supporter of the Academy. He has been a guest choreographer at the School of Dance since 2014, providing him with a pivotal role for advancing the School’s development and for nurturing dance talent. One impressive testament to his artistic prowess is the groundbreaking cross-stream production Pathos, created for the Academy's dance programme. It represented the School of Dance at the Academy's symposium in honour of its 30th anniversary in 2014, then embarked on a successful tour in Beijing as part of the Beijing Dance Academy's 60th anniversary celebration event. Mr. Sang's collaborations with the School benefited many of its students and helped deepen its approach to performance.

Apart from choreography, Mr. Sang serves as a mentor guiding aspiring dancers and choreographers, sharing his knowledge and expertise. He has inspired generations of young performers, encouraging them to follow their passion and unleash their potential. Meanwhile, Mr. Sang plays a significant role in helping the students of the Academy’s School of Dance to forge successful careers in the performing arts, meshing well with the School’s commitment to excellence in performing arts education.

By dedicating himself to the performing arts, Mr. Sang has cultivated an environment of cultural exchange, while supporting the development of the performing arts in Hong Kong, the Mainland, and beyond. He continues to be a fervent advocate for deeper cultural understanding while contributing his talents to the diverse global arts community.