Tak Kwan Chu

Mr. Chu was selected for training at the Bejing Ballet School at a very young age. After completing his training, he joined the Ho Nam China Dance Company. Mr. Chu then joined the Hong Kong Ballet where he served as principal dancer for seven years. Leaving China, Mr. Chu became a member of Hartford Ballet, touring widely before joining Dance Alive National Ballet in 1987. His experiences range from principal roles in full length traditional Chinese ballets to the classical pas de deux and contemporary works such as William Dollar's Combat. Mr. Chu's exceptional technique and brilliance can be seen in Don Quixote, Nutcracker and Swan Lake. His quickness and wonderful sense of humor make him perfect for Balanchine's Tarantella and Stars and Stripes and as the "Wise Old Mr. Turtle" in Kim Tuttle’s Ladybug: Action Hero. He has been featured in Tom Pazik's Carmina Burana, Kim Tuttle's Psalms and Tsunami and Judy Skinner's Incertezza. Perhaps his finest role is that of 'Apollo' in George Balanchine's masterpiece Apollo. Mr. Chu is a mature, accomplished dancer with great presence.

PERSONAL PROFILE

Hometown: Guangzhou, China
What I do in my spare time: Play mahjong (Chinese game)
Favorite Movies: "Jurassic Park" and "Turning Point"
Favorite dance role: "White Hair Lady" (Chinese Ballet) and Balanchine’s "Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux"
Favorite vacation place: Calgary, Canada
Why I dance: I love to dance, and it is good for my body!