At this year’s OzAsia Festival, Singapore’s The Human Expression (T.H.E) Dance Companyare bringing their acclaimed Searching Blue to the Festival Plaza.
Walk alongside T.H.E Dance Company in a gentle, profound outdoor performance conceived and created by Founding Artistic Director Kuik Swee Boon, tracing shifting relationships between people, places and passers-by.
Kuik Swee Boon rose from performing in Singapore People’s Association Dance Company and Singapore Dance Theatre to becoming the principal dancer of Spain’s Compañía Nacional de Danza (CND) from 2002–2007; he performed in works by then-Artistic Director Nacho Duato as well as renowned guest choreographers such as Jiří Kylián, Mats Ek, Ohad Naharin, and Wim Vandekeybus.
Swee Boon spoke to Glam Adelaide about Searching Blue, its creation and where his love of dance grew from.
“I first discovered my love for dance when I was fifteen. Through the practice of dance, I found a sense of focus and grounding—something that gave me meaning and a deeper sense of self-worth. For me, this practice was never just about dancing or performing on stage; it felt closer to the Asian idea of xiuxing 修行—a form of spiritual cultivation. As a free thinker, I often feel that choosing dance was like choosing a belief, an attitude, and a way of living.”
Swee Boon shared with us how the idea behind Searching Blue came from.
“The inspiration for Searching Blue partly came from neuroscientist Dr Jill Bolte Taylor’s stroke experience. What struck me most in her story was how she described the human capacity to connect deeply with the world around us. In my HollowBody Methodology, we often work with and explore this very capacity. Dr Taylor’s scientific explanation gave me a stronger foundation to further embrace and develop this in the piece.
“The title Searching Blue was from Sherwin-Williams’ paint colour of the same name (SW 6536)—a calming, mid-tone violet-blue. Blue often evokes peace and serenity, and for me, Searching Blue reflects a search for inner calm, for harmony with others and the environment, and ultimately, for peace.”
Guided by Malaysian sound artist Kent Lee’s live music, Searching Blue invites audiences to share moments with the dancers—a held hand, a gesture, a gaze. Whether you move with them, accept their gentle invitations, or simply linger nearby, Searching Blue reminds us that even amidst the noise and bustle, we can still listen, feel and connect.
With performances outside and in different locations, we asked Swee Boon how the show adapts wherever it is performed.
“Every space is truly unique. By taking the time to understand each site—its qualities, its weather, and even the cultural atmosphere—I’m able to adjust the rhythm and structure of the piece. At the same time, there are qualities in Searching Blue that go beyond the limitations of space. In the end, it is always the people who shape and transform how a space is experienced.”
Searching Blue will be performed as part of the OzAsia Festival between Thursday 23 and Saturday 25 October at 6pm in the Festival Plaza.
“For the Adelaide audience, I hope they will feel both the physical and emotional impact of the work. My wish is that they leave the performance either inspired or simply having enjoyed a powerful, yet gentle, sense of resonance and connection with others.”
Searching Blue
Festival Plaza
Thursday 23 October – Saturday 25 October
6.00pm
https://ozasia.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/whats-on/searching-blue
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