Speech by SCST at "Stars of Tomorrow 2026 - The Sleeping Beauty" Gala Opening
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at "Stars of Tomorrow 2026 - The Sleeping Beauty" Gala Opening today (August 29):
The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, Photo source: reference image
Committee Members of The Tsinforn C. Wong Memorial Scholarship, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening. I am delighted to join you all at the gala opening performance of "Stars of Tomorrow 2026 - The Sleeping Beauty".
For 66 remarkable years, the Jean M. Wong School of Ballet has served as a cornerstone of performing arts education in Hong Kong. Its enduring legacy is woven into the very fabric of our city's cultural identity, having nurtured generations of classically trained dancers, devoted teachers, and passionate audiences. The School has steadily elevated the standard of dance in our city, and the countless alumni now gracing local and international stages stand as a powerful testament to its vision and commitment to excellence.
Tonight, we are privileged to witness students from the School and its summer training programme bring "The Sleeping Beauty" to life. This masterpiece demands precision, grace and profound artistry. Every step and graceful poise we see tonight is the culmination of rigorous discipline and resilience - made possible by the dedication of teachers, the unwavering support of families, and a community that believes in the transformative power of the arts. We are especially enriched by the presence of guest teachers and dancers from across the globe, whose participation embodies the international spirit that defines ballet.
The "Stars of Tomorrow" gala is more than a performance; it is a celebration of tradition and innovation. Here, we see the timeless beauty of classical ballet breathe alongside the promise of fresh, contemporary interpretations. Tonight's performance not only showcases Hong Kong's creative vitality to the world but also reaffirms our city's standing as a dynamic cultural hub. Through the arts, our unique blend of Eastern and Western influences offers visitors a captivating glimpse into our cultural landscape, infusing fresh energy into our cultural tourism and reinforcing our global connectivity.
My heartfelt gratitude goes to The Tsinforn C. Wong Memorial Scholarship for its extraordinary generosity. By enabling young talents to study abroad and return with new knowledge and perspectives, this scholarship enriches our arts scene and demonstrates how giving sustains the creative spirit and ensures that our cultural ecosystem continues to thrive.
"Stars of Tomorrow" is a symbol of hope, inspiration, and above all, the passion to follow our dreams - a message at the very heart of this annual programme. The art of ballet will remain a source of pride and joy for generations to come, and I am delighted to see that Hong Kong's cultural future is indeed bright: strong in tradition, bold in innovation, and open to the world. Let us carry this spirit forward together, ensuring that our cultural life continues to flourish and that Hong Kong remains a place where creativity blossoms.
In closing, may I wish you all a truly enchanting evening under the spell of "The Sleeping Beauty". Thank you.
The official poster of "Stars of Tomorrow 2026 - The Sleeping Beauty," Photo source: ins@jmwballet
