The Next Movement is a dance performance designed to introduce Hong Kong tap dance group Step Out Studios’ new electronic tap shoes.
The idea was born during the Covid-19 pandemic, when dancers stuck at home were unable to practice tap without disturbing their neighbours. In 2023, a development project entitled “The Future Step” was launched, supported by government funding.
The show begins with a film about the development project, followed by an introduction from Step Out’s Zoe Chan and Cal Tang, who explain how the shoes work and how the audience should use the wireless headphones provided to get the full effect of the new technology.
It is clear that a huge amount of time, effort and dedication has gone into developing the shoes and creating this first live performance to showcase them. The enthusiasm of Step Out’s young team is appealing, their passion for the project palpable and their ambition impressive. It is also good to see the government funding local artistic innovation.
