Florence Mo-han Aw
Aw joined the Hok Yau Club (HYC) in 1956, and she was the chairperson between 1962 and 1974. The predecessor of the HYC, the Hok Yau Dancing Club, was an arts and cultural organisation active in the 1950s and 1960s. The HYC presented cultural and recreational activities for students and youth, the dance unit of which nurtured a number of dance talents and presented numerous dance performances.
Dates of interview: 21 and 22 October 2016
Location: Florence Mo-han Aw’s apartment in Vancouver
Recorded and noted by: Lam Heyee
Translated by: Nicolette Wong
Untainted Dance in a Convoluted Era
Florence Mo-han Aw
Florence Mo-han Aw
Interview Excerpts*
*in Cantonese only
Photo Collections
Florence Mo-han Aw (second left in the front row). Through the referral of her teacher at Heung To Middle School, Florence Mo-han Aw joined the HYC. Year unknown. Photo courtesy of Florence Mo-han Aw.
A Hora Agadati performance at the May Fourth Celebration Party in 1954. Photo courtesy of Florence Mo-han Aw.
Florence Mo-han Aw (right) became the chairperson of the HYC in 1962. Photo courtesy of Florence Mo-han Aw.
The HYC’s tenth anniversary performance in 1959. Photo courtesy of Florence Mo-han Aw.
xueyoushe shizhounian sheqing jinian tekan (The Hok Yau Club Tenth Anniversary Special Edition). From Florence Mo-han Aw’s personal collection.
In 1961, the HYC presented variety performances for the “Relief of Underprivileged Children” campaign on the invitation of Overseas Chinese Daily News. From Florence Mo-han Aw’s personal collection.
The house programme of the HYC’s dance performance at the Princess Theatre in 1960. From Florence Mo-han Aw’s personal collection.
The HYC presented many dance performances in the 1950s and 1960s, including ballet and Chinese dance programmes. Photo courtesy of Florence Mo-han Aw.
The HYC presented many dance performances in the 1950s and 1960s, including ballet and Chinese dance programmes. Photo courtesy of Florence Mo-han Aw.
The HYC presented many dance performances in the 1950s and 1960s, including ballet and Chinese dance programmes. Photo courtesy of Florence Mo-han Aw.
The HYC presented many dance performances in the 1950s and 1960s, including ballet and Chinese dance programmes. Photo courtesy of Florence Mo-han Aw.
Florence Mo-han Aw (fourth left in the middle row). A photo shoot party for dancers in costumes at the HYC. Year unknown. Photo courtesy of Florence Mo-han Aw.
Florence Mo-han Aw founded the Chinese Cultural Centre Dance Advocates Club in Vancouver. The club presented Autumn Dance Gala at the Michael J. Fox Theatre on 21 and 22 November 1998. From Florence Mo-han Aw’s personal collection.