Countdown is a global initiative aimed at advocating for and accelerating solutions to the climate crisis, transforming ideas into actionable steps. Dance artists, as creative contributors, have a vital role not only in pursuing their personal artistic aspirations but also in fostering societal well-being and health across various dimensions—physical, mental, social, and spiritual.
The year 2020 posed numerous challenges, serving as a time for reflection and transformation. While we anticipate that 2021 will bring even greater upheavals, we hope that dance can temporarily provide us with a sense of freedom and solace.
On December 30, through TEDxBEYONDBollywood, a virtual event featured an impressive lineup of six exceptional dance artists from diverse countries with the theme: New Normal New Inspirations: You, Artist and the World. Their personal stories and performances aimed to raise awareness about climate change, a pressing global issue, and inspire proactive measures. The initiative sought to facilitate meaningful conversations through dance, uniting people from various cultures and communities to promote public awareness and encourage positive action to protect our planet.

In response to the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to theater closures and social distancing, many performances have shifted online. The Arts Development Council's Arts Go Digital initiative supports artists and creators in showcasing new works digitally.
One such project is "Dance Virtual @ Tai Po," produced by Beyond Bollywood, which is one of the 68 supported creations under this initiative.
This innovative interactive online platform aims to connect the Tai Po community while offering a unique theater experience. Utilizing VR technology, it allows viewers to embark on a self-directed tour, exploring notable heritage sites and activating dance performances linked to specific landmarks like Shuen Wan Typhoon Shelter and Kwong Fuk Bridge. Some scenes are captured in 180-degree panorama, creating an immersive experience that makes viewers feel as if they are truly present at the locations. Additionally, online dance tutorials are available, allowing participants to learn Bollywood dance moves and delve into Indian culture at their own pace.

The Voice of DANCE is the first film production project by Beyond Bollywood, supported and funded by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council. This dance film features Deaf and Hearing dancers on a journey to explore Indian dance vocabularies while coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the birth of Indian national hero Gandhi. Inspired by their experiences, the dancers overcome adversity to follow their dreams. The film is a locally-produced, multi-scenario, cross-cultural, diversity-focused, and socially-inclusive project, featuring the participation of artists from Hong Kong and India, with shooting locations in Mumbai and New Delhi. It had its world premiere online during the 10th Hong Kong International Deaf Film Festival in October 2020.

The Arts For Resilience Online Festival took place from August 13 to September 5, organized by the Centre for Community Cultural Development (CCCD) and co-organized by Beyond Bollywood. This festival aimed to enhance resilience during adversity through theatre and artistic activities. The people of Hong Kong have faced significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, experiencing temporary setbacks. It is crucial to maintain vigilance, resilience, and the strength to persevere. The online festival aspires to be a source of motivation during these times. The festival featured a variety of activities, including movies, live theatre performances, Facebook Live sessions, art therapy, and workshops, providing a platform for creativity and community engagement.

The Arts for Resilience Online Festival, co-organized by the Centre for Community Cultural Development (CCCD) and Beyond Bollywood, took place in August and September. Beyond Bollywood hosted a series of workshops titled "New Normal New Inspirations," offering online workshops that explored various forms of Indian dance, including Bhangra, Bollywood, Kathak, Bolly Belly Fusion, and Bharatanatyam. These workshops aimed to provide a holistic view of Indian dance while encouraging participants to find engaging activities to strengthen their bodies during the pandemic, all from the comfort of their homes. The initiative fostered resilience and creativity, helping individuals stay active and connected to cultural arts despite the challenges posed by the ongoing health crisis.

Beyond Bollywood participated in the 2020 Community Cultural Ambassador Scheme, titled "Everybody Can DANCE," from February to June. This project aimed to create a platform that enhances public awareness of the cultural value of inclusivity, empowers underserved groups, and promotes social integration through dance. By fostering cross-sector collaborations, the initiative sought to make the often-invisible aspects of our community visible, encouraging the public to redefine relationships between the personal and social, the individual and collective, and the artist and audience.
Throughout the scheme, a variety of workshops and activities engaged participants of all ages. To conclude the program, Beyond Bollywood organized a capstone event on June 4 at the Tsuen Wan Town Hall, showcasing a fusion of Indian dance that draws on legends, myths, and literature as a common language for cross-cultural artistic expression. The event featured 12 dance creations from local Hong Kong dance teams, facilitating exchanges and sharing between traditional and contemporary forms. Audiences were invited to embark on a unique journey through Indian culture, promising thought-provoking experiences and insights.

The Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Carnival marked a notable shift from tradition, as Hong Kong celebrated CNY with a carnival instead of the usual International Night Parade. This inaugural event took place at the West Kowloon Cultural District from January 25 to 28, 2020, showcasing the 25th edition of the carnival. Beyond Bollywood was honored to perform during the Year of the Rat celebrations on January 25 and 26. Selected as one of the local performing teams, Beyond Bollywood shared the stage with over 40 performing groups from Hong Kong and abroad, celebrating the Chinese New Year and creating a vibrant and memorable experience for all attendees.