Hong Kong will stage the grandest French festival in Asia when Le French May celebrates its 10th anniversary from April 18 – June 8.

The seven-week festival is one of the most prominent cultural events in Hong Kong, showcasing a range of classical and contemporary arts. This year, the focus is on dance featuring performances by three of France’s top dance companies.

According to Le French May co-ordinator Patrick Coustance, the event has become the largest festival of its kind in Asia because “Hong Kong is the place where great ideas can be realised”.

“When Le French May was first launched in 1993, nobody decided, we’re going to organise the largest French festival in Asia and it’s going to be in Hong Kong,” Mr Coustance said.

“It was the tremendous success of the first French Mays that encouraged the consulate and the Alliance Francaise to do it on a bigger scale. Then the festival gained respect outside Hong Kong and now top artistes are keen to come and perform here.

“In short, the success of Le French May reflects the dynamism and open-minded spirit which are to be found in Hong Kong more than anywhere else in Asia.”

The 10th anniversary festival features a programme of outstanding quality, Mr Coustance added.

The featured events are The Right of Spring by Preljocaj Dance Company, Stress by the Blanca Li Dance Company, and The Garden Io lo Ito Ito by Montalvo-Hervieu Dance Company.

“In addition, we have included in this programme Body Talk, a production by Hong Kong company the City Contemporary Dance Company to introduce a dialogue between French and Hong Kong artistes in the area of choreographic creation,” Mr Coustance said.