XDT · ARRIVAL
Yeji Kim · Kenny Wing Tao Ho
ARRIVAL| World Premiere: 7 November 2025｜Black Box, ONE ArtCenter, Xiexin Dance Theatre,Shanghai, China
Credits
Created and Performed by Yeji Kim and Kenny Wing Tao Ho
Music : Alex Paton
Literary Advisor: Amy Ng
UK Producer: Siyuan Gong
Costume Designer: Liu Yuqi
Lighting Designer: Gong Zhengyu
Film Production: Inched Bow Studio
Cinematography & Editing: Xie Yu
Project Manager: Dai Qingxin
Co-produced and Sponsored by : ONE ArtCenter | XDT International Choreographic Residency Program
Supported by Battersea Arts Centre and Centre 151
Yeji Kim
Kenny Wing Tao Ho
International dance artists Yeji Kim and Kenny Wing Tao Ho will undertake a two-month choreographic creation and rehearsal residency at ONE ArtCenter, the art space established by Xie Xin Dance Theatre. Their new work is scheduled to have its world premiere in November 2025.
ARRIVAL is the new full-length work by YAK, the creative duo of Yeji Kim and Kenny Wing Tao Ho.Combining dance film and live performance, this piece embraces authenticity and emotion. It explores the complex nature of relationships and human connection in a polarized world. Its gritty, raw, and breathtaking choreography intricately weaves together and collides the stories of
two distinct individuals, taking us on a journey to confront the essence of humanity and our primal animal selves. ARRIVAL delves deep into the world of connection—with all its difficulty, beauty, and hope. What happens when there is nothing left to say? How can we express the inexpressible?
Q&A :
Q : Why did you create this work?
A:Honestly, we just want create and put on stage what we want to see, it’s rather selfish but also pure, we don’t have any grand ideas about art or what messages artists should convey. We are connecting to our experiences of life, how we feel about ourselves, the people and the world around us, what emotions are stirring inside of us and simply want to share it, hoping it resonates with others. This work is also a new step for us as an artistic duo, we are calling ourselves YAK, see if you can figure out our name! We have been working together for many years, first together in Hofesh when Kenny was also a member, on some short dance films, and then supporting each other on other choreographic projects. This time we decided to create something together from the beginning and truly collaborate.
Q : What was the inspiration behind your work?
A : The connection between people and the many layers of human experience. It’s about recognising that, despite our differences, we are all intertwined on a deeper level. Sometimes we see ourselves as separate, above or below others, but in reality, we’re all part of a complex web of interconnection, of emotions, thoughts, and shared humanity.
There is a lot going in the world right now, there is a lot going on inside of us as well, how to live, what to do, how do we respond to everything that is happening, and the choices we make about our lives everyday. We believe every choice affects everyone else, whether we feel like it is a separate thing or not. We wanted to face this fact, and face each other’s humanity in this work. George Orwell’s novel Animal Farm was also an inspiration at the beginning, though we have moved away from this now, it inspired in us an exploration about the duality between the animal and human. Between this, our conversations with each other about life and the world, and our
feelings about the interconnectedness we share (for better or worse), we stumbled upon and began this journey called ARRIVAL.
Nearly 400 audience members attended the performance of ARRIVAL at ONE ArtCenter-Black Box.
