Spotlight on YAFies: Juliana Young and Isabelle Joy Young

Juliana joined HKYAF as a youth performer in 1997. In this interview, she shares her experience participating in the first Standard Chartered Arts in the Park in 2001 and why she encouraged her 10-year-old daughter, Isabelle, to audition as a youth dancer for Arts in the Park this year. Isabelle also talks about her first performance experience in Arts in the Park.

Don’t miss Isabelle’s performance at Standard Chartered Arts in the Park between 2 and 8 November 2020 and other exciting visual and performing arts programmes at www.scartsinthepark.com. 

Juliana Young 

What was the first event you participated in with Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation (HKYAF)?

I think I was 14 when I first auditioned and joined the play Curiouser…and Curiouser. I was one of the ensemble cast.

When did you join Standard Chartered Arts in the Park?
I was part of the first Arts in the Park in 2001! At the time I was helping more in the background rather than as a performer, I think I also MC-ed a little.

In 1997, South China Morning Post interviewed Juliana ahead of her tour to the Edinburgh Festival with HKYAF.

Why did you help your daughter sign up as a dancer in Standard Chartered Arts in the Park?
Participating in HKYAF’s events was a big part of my youth and also one of my favourite parts! It was always a way to express my creativity in new ways, meet people from different schools and backgrounds, work diligently together towards a goal, and also have a lot of fun! So that’s something I really wanted for my children. Since I became a mum, I brought my children to every Arts in the Park carnival to expose them to different types of interactive art and dance. I’ve been patiently waiting till my eldest turned 10 so that she could audition!

What was the most important thing for you when you performed on stage?
I believe when you are confident and enjoying yourself on the stage, it comes out through your performance and others enjoy it as well. But behind that confidence is a lot of practice and hard work!

What benefits do the arts bring for children?
I’ve always felt that artistic expression is a way for my mind to rest and my heart to soar. I believe children need that space to engage and express in different ways.

What would you say to your daughter’s future self as a 30-year-old?
You will always be my daughter whom I love and delight in. I am so proud of you!

Who is your favourite artist?
I truly believe God is the most amazing artist as reflected in nature – it is intricate, detailed, equally majestic and awe-inspiring!

Isabelle Joy Young (Izzy)

Did you know that your mum also performed in Standard Chartered Arts in the Park when she was little?
Yes, because my mum told me.

How did you feel when you found out you were selected as one of the youth dancers for Standard Chartered Arts in the Park?
I was very happy and excited because it’s my first time!

Isabelle (second from right) as one of the youth dancers in Standard Chartered Arts in the Park 2020. 

What did you learn from Standard Chartered Arts in the Park?
I learnt how to dance like a soldier. I learnt that even though I’m the youngest it doesn’t mean I’m not special. Even when something is very hard, it’s ok. I’ll just keep on practising and I’ll get better.

What would you say to your mum as a 10-year-old girl?
Don’t give up and keep on going! I wish I was like you.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
A scientist and a policewoman.

Who is your favourite artist?
I love the actress Grace Wong because I know her and she is part of our church. She’s very good at expressing herself and she is so beautiful!