Within its 346 year history, the Paris Opera Ballet hired its first Chinese dancer. Lam Chun-wing was a 19 year old from Hong Kong’s suburbs. His entry into the state-financed company is a dramatic change, since more than 90 percent of the dancers are French. But every great achievement is not without hard work and making the most of every opportunity.
Lam Chun-wing, right, dancing in April in ‘‘Aunis’’ at the Ballet School of the Paris Opera Ballet.
Mr. Lam grew up in an apartment with 5 other relatives, and started taking dance lessons at age 7. His ambition to become a professional dancer later took hold when he was 11. However, he couldn’t find a good male ballet teacher, so he had to go to the Guangzhou Ballet School during school holidays. In an annual dance event with the top students, the grande dame of the territory’s ballet teachers, Ms. Wong, noticed his talent and ideal body proportions. Ms. Wong later sent a DVD of Mr. Lam’s dancing to the Ballet School at the Paris Opera Ballet in 2011. He admitted as the first Chinese dancer to the academy.
Mr. Lam in ‘‘Don Quixote’’ at the Hong Kong Cultural Center in August
Interest for his talents grew, and Mr. Lam was invited to Paris for a private addition. His move to France, to develop his career, was encouraged by his parents even though most families in Hong Kong pushed children into traditional careers.
Mr. Lam’s rise in position came when he was a replacement for a production of Jean-Guillaume Bart’s “La Source.” His professional debut became a success even though the scene was a technically difficult one. He was able to dance with a “very polished technique, and was quick and fit” according to Benjamin Millepied, the Paris Opera’s dance director. Mr. Millepied embraced the notion of diversity to the Paris Opera because of the importance of representing community as a 21st-century company.
Indeed, Mr. Lam became a hometown hero because he was the first in his occupation. Although he received much acclaim, Mr. Lam was very shy. Mr. Lam revealed he is proud, and happy, but most of all he was relieved, which shows his humble nature. Even though he was homesick, constantly worrisome, and nervous, Mr. Lam persevered through the struggles and not only made a name for himself, but became a trailblazer in his unremitting dream.
Wow! Lam Chun-Wing is truly a pioneer of our time. His hard work and dedication certainly paid off, and now he is even greater than he ever thought he would become. His entry into this field, being a male from China, must have been a very tough journey; however, the significance of what he has done trumps all the obstacles he probably faced. Mr. Lam has now opened the door to many other boys who are just like him. Many people today struggle with finding their true passion in the world and actually pursuing it. Mr. Lam has taught many that traditional occupations are not the only road to take. If one puts hard work in then they can strive to be whatever they like.
This man is truly an inspiration to dancers everywhere. His love for dancing and his pursuit of his dream brought him to one of the oldest and most renowned centers of dance. His parents had some truly contemporary values. Even though it is societal norm to push your children into traditional, stable careers, his parents told him to follow his dreams. He must truly be proud of himself; he has accomplished something incredible.
It is so brave of Lam Chun-Wing to pursue his dream of becoming a ballet dancer. He must be truly talented to be the first Chinese dancer at the Paris Opera Ballet. It is so great to see parents that are supportive of their children’s dreams. A lot of parents, especially in the Chinese culture, would rather have their children go to school to become a doctor or a lawyer. Lam worked hard to get to where he is and he is an inspiration to many children and young adults around the world.