Spotlight on YAFies: Emilia Kate Oliver and Valerie Cheung

Emilia Kate Oliver
Director’s assistant with I’mperfect

Valerie Cheung
Choreographer with I’mperfect

When did you find yourself falling in love with acting/dancing?
Emilia: I first fell in love with acting during my very first audition. I’d watched plays and musicals all my life and was surrounded by an artistically driven family, but never thought it would become a passion of mine. At first, I didn’t even want to go to the audition, but my dad took me. The moment I saw everyone in that room and stood on that stage singing my heart out, the thought that I could actually do this as a career made me the happiest little girl in the world.

Valerie: Probably when I was around Year 5. I’d danced before, but something just clicked and I suddenly became extremely passionate about becoming a dancer and improving myself in dance.

Tell us about your first experience being a director’s assistant/ a choreographer.
​Emilia: Being HKYAF’s founder Lindsey McAlister’s assistant to the director this year was a dream of mine. To be by her side as a fellow creative is a privilege I truly cannot believe I have. I’m excited to create and to push my own boundaries, and those of the actors, in this original show.

Valerie: Wow, it was a lot of fun! I was privileged to have my first experience as a choreographer with some of my very good friends. I wrote out every single pattern and everybody’s pathways to their next spacing. It helped me learn how to work with the dancers.

​Why did you want to be involved in I’mperfect and what are you hoping to take away from the production?
Emilia: With the ever-changing societal standards and pressure to look a certain way, especially in the media, I thought it was incredibly important to be involved in I’mperfect to show how common eating disorders and body image struggles are, and that there’s always someone there to help you and stand by your side. What I’m hoping, what I hope the audience takes away, is that our bodies are beautiful, unique and incredible things that take us through life, and we should never forget that at the end of the day, they are also our home.

Valerie: I wanted to be involved with I’mperfect because I never know whether this might be the last time I’ll be able to help choreograph for HKYAF! I was eager to meet and be inspired by the other choreographers too!

How did I’mperfect inspire you in terms of body image issues?
Emilia: I’ve constantly been learning about my body and how to appreciate it. I’ve definitely had my fair share of body image issues, and to see that so many were unaware of how much these issues can have an impact on people really made me want to spark conversations about it in a more creative way. When Lindsey approached me about working on I'mperfect, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to share my thoughts and help others know they aren’t alone, because even if you can’t see it, there are always people there for you.

Valerie: You own your own body. Unless you want to listen to others, you can stay how you are and be confident with your own body.

What’s your most memorable experience working with HKYAF?
Emilia: It’s happening right now!!

Valerie: When I was doing #hashtag in 2020 and there were full runs two days in a row. A lot of us had severe muscle pain on the second day and we all told each other at the same time! At least it showed we were all trying our best!

What do you think is the most important skill for a director/ a choreographer to have?
Emilia: The director’s role is multi-faceted. They’re responsible for shaping every aspect of the final show, from the actors’ performances to the setting, design and lighting choices, and so on. For a director to successfully achieve all of this, they have to be able to communicate.

Valerie: I think the most important skill for a choreographer to have is quick thinking. When you come up with something like a formation at home, it might not actually work out the way you imagine with the dancer in real life. Being able to quickly change and improve ideas is crucial for the rehearsal to run smoothly and efficiently.

How has your experience prepared you for your current role?
Emilia: As a performer, I’ve had the privilege of both observing and experiencing the skills of many accomplished directors. For me, the main takeaways from those experiences were to always create a friendly, open, yet highly disciplined environment, and above all to foster a sense of teamwork and positive and professional dynamics.

How do you find and get the most out of art opportunities?
Emilia: I associate myself with organisations that produce quality and professional work. I also put myself out there by auditioning for various productions, TV shows and events. Regardless of the outcome, whether I get the role or not, I continue to persevere as this is a huge part of how this industry works. Sometimes you get hundreds and thousands of “No”s before you get one “Yes”.

Valerie: Every time I have a new opportunity, I ask myself, “What is my aim going into this?” When I recognise what I want, whether it’s challenging my own physical limits or something else, I focus on achieving that goal.

Who are your biggest artistic influences?
Emilia: Definitely Lindsey McAlister! I admired her work even before I began performing in HKYAF productions. Her incredibly creative and unique productions truly allowed me to discover so many possibilities in theatre, as well as multiple other areas to create, develop and explore. I’m also inspired and influenced by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, Lizzy McAlpine, Lin Manuel Miranda, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe as a whole, plus all of my fellow creators and peers.

Valerie: Bailey Sok, Billie Eilish and Caroline Manning

What advice would you give to aspiring youth artists?
Emilia: Be on time. Always keep the energy, even when you feel like you have nothing left to give. Stay humble. If you feel like you’re different in any way, embrace it! Take all of your notes and criticisms as positive feedback, this will enable you to deliver a better performance. Don’t take it personally! Lastly, and most importantly, stay passionate!

​Valerie: If you love it, do it! If it gets hard, persevere and remember why you’re doing it.