A member of the first graduating class of the School of Dance of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Mr Yu Yan-wah is an eminent dance artist, choreographer and arts educator whose contributions to contemporary dance span over three decades. By establishing E-Side Dance Company, Mr Yu has played a significant role in advancing contemporary dance, nurturing artistic talent, and bringing the performing arts to the wider community.

Following his professional dance career with the City Contemporary Dance Company, Mr Yu recognised the need for a dedicated space for dance experimentation and the development of local original works. Guided by this vision, he founded E-Side Dance Company in 1988 to advance original dance theatre and nurture creative talent. Over the years, the Company has produced an extensive body of work exploring, through movement, the relationship between the individual, society and the environment. In 1990, Mr Yu was awarded the Lee Hysan Foundation Fellowship by the Asian Cultural Council, allowing him to pursue advanced studies in the United States and further refine his creative vision. Under his leadership, E-Side Dance Company has grown into one of Hong Kong's most respected contemporary dance organisations, acclaimed for its commitment to artistic innovation, cultural exchange, and aesthetic appreciation.

Mr Yu’s dedication to contemporary dance has earned him enduring respect across the cultural sector. His innovative choreography has been featured by prominent organisations, including the Cloud Gate Dance Theatre and the Guangdong Modern Dance Company. With Mr Yu at the helm, E-Side Dance Company earned the Hong Kong Dance Awards for Outstanding Choreography in 2006 for his representative production, Toppling the World, and Outstanding Service to Dance in 2012. The Company has been a venue partner at the Ngau Chi Wan Civic Centre since 2008, presenting high-calibre international productions each year, cultivating a vibrant dance audience in Kowloon East. He was awarded a Commendation Certificate for his outstanding contribution to the arts under the Home Affairs Bureau's Commendation Scheme in 2012, and was named Artist of the Year (Dance) by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council for 2015.

Beyond his artistic creations, Mr Yu’s steadfast commitment to the Academy exemplifies a deep dedication to guiding emerging artists. As external examiner for the School of Dance’s Choreographic Workshop, he offers vital mentorship to help budding choreographers hone their craft and develop distinct creative voices. In addition to formal assessments, his engagement is reflected in his regular presence at Academy productions, providing advice to bridge academic training with professional practice. Furthermore, as Founder and Artistic Director of E-Side Dance Company, he empowers Academy students and alumni — providing a dedicated choreographic platform to showcase their work, develop their creative practice, and ease their transition into the professional world.

Driven by passion and creativity, Mr Yu’s pursuit of artistic excellence remains an inspiration to dancers and audiences alike. His remarkable contributions have left a lasting imprint on Hong Kong’s cultural landscape, a legacy that will resonate for generations to come.