Dance of a Dream

Dance of a Dream

Year: 2001

Runtime: 94 mins

Language: Cantonese

Director: Andrew Lau

MusicComedyRomance

Namson Lau teaches ballroom dance, presenting himself onstage as a polished, suave gentleman. Beneath that genteel veneer he is cunning and greedy, treating dance solely as a means to amass wealth, caring little for the art itself or any higher purpose.

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Timeline & Setting – Dance of a Dream (2001)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Dance of a Dream (2001). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Central, Hong Kong, Blackpool, England

The action centers on a dance-driven world anchored in Central, a Hong Kong district where Namson runs his dance studio and trains Kam. The glamorous ball hosted by aristocrat Tina Cheung marks a key turning point, blending aspiration with romance. The narrative also follows the dream of a trip to England to compete at the Blackpool Dance Festival, symbolizing the peak of Namson's ambitions. These settings frame a story about ambition, art, and romance within high-society circles.

💃 Hong Kong Central dance scene 🎡 English ballroom culture in Blackpool 🤝 Social mobility through dance

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 14:35

Main Characters – Dance of a Dream (2001)

Meet the key characters of Dance of a Dream (2001), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Namson Lau (Andy Lau)

A polished ballroom dancing instructor who uses dance to chase fortune, yet is secretly consumed by greed and self-interest. He neglects his students in his pursuit of money and status, but begins to rediscover the art and joy of dance as the story progresses.

💃 Charismatic 💰 Ambitious 🧭 Moral awakening

Kam (Sandra Ng Kwan Yue)

A woman with modest skills but a resilient, optimistic spirit, Kam enrolls in Namson's classes to pursue her dream of dancing gracefully. She remains supportive and resourceful, organizing a party to cheer Namson up and ultimately helping him reconnect with the art of dance.

💪 Resilient 💖 Hopeful 🧭 Loyal

Tina Cheung (Anita Mui Yim-Fong)

A glamorous aristocrat who invites Namson to teach her in tango, using charm to lure him into her social circle. Her presence catalyzes Namson's ambition and creates tension with Kam, highlighting the allure and danger of luxury and power.

💃 Glamorous 🎭 Complex 🧭 Opportunistic

Jimmy Cheung (Edison Chen)

Tina's younger brother who entrusts Namson with coaching Tina, serving as a plot catalyst for the divide between personal desire and professional duty, while driving the dance-centered narrative forward.

🎯 Loyal 🧠 Pragmatic 💡 Influential

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 14:35

Major Themes – Dance of a Dream (2001)

Explore the central themes of Dance of a Dream (2001), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌟 Dreams and Ambition

Namson's pursuit of wealth through dance drives the plot, as he aims to buy his studio and compete at Blackpool. The film contrasts his money-first approach with Kam's hopeful dedication to improvement and art. The story shows ambition can elevate someone but also distance them from the people who trust them. Ultimately, the film suggests fulfillment comes from pairing ambition with care for others.

❤️ Love vs Ambition

Namson is torn between Tina's glamorous lure and Kam's genuine support, revealing the pull between romance and professional gain. Kam's optimism and loyalty challenge Namson's focus on profits, prompting a moral reckoning. The culmination sweeps Namson toward a choice that tests his priorities, blending affection with artistic integrity. The resolution emphasizes love's power to soften ambition without denying its aspirations.

🎨 Art vs Commerce

Namson starts out treating dance as a means to money rather than expression, neglecting his students and the art itself. A turning moment comes when Kam and the party reveal the joy of dancing for connection, not just fees. The film critiques mercenary approaches to art and champions authentic craft that resonates with people. The final arc shows art restored to its human center: a shared, uplifting experience.

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 14:35

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Dance of a Dream Summary

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Dance of a Dream Summary

Dance of a Dream Timeline

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Dance of a Dream Timeline

Dance of a Dream Spoiler-Free Summary

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Dance of a Dream Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Dance of a Dream

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