Factory Creatives: Louiseanne Wong

Factory Creatives is a new series where we head out into the city to find out more about the local creatives at the heart of our programme. We caught up with Louiseanne at one of their favourite parkour spots in Manchester ahead of their Summer and Hip Hop: Parkour session: Summer and Hip Hop: Parkour

Can you introduce yourself?

I am Louiseanne Wong, a non-binary movement artist, choreographer and coach.

Hong Kong-born, I trained in music and dance across Hong Kong, the UK and Los Angeles (at the University of Manchester, Laban and IDA Hollywood).

I make genre-bending indoor and outdoor performances, fusing dance, parkour and circus to explore my East and Southeast Asian identity. I embed cultural storytelling in my work to connect with people. I also love anime!

In the world of parkour, I'm in Team Esprit Concrete and Free Spirit, trained with Yamakasi founders of Art du Deplacement in France. Now, I teach the discipline internationally, fusing my experience in my classes.

What or who inspires you to do the work that you do?

Toph from Avatar. She represents empowerment - her training methodology, not seeing limitations as a crutch, and her confident spirit. As an AFAB non-binary East Asian person, Toph's energy motivates me to take space.

I fuse art forms to express what I want to say. Besides anime, I take inspiration from artists who seek beyond their craft; Zhang Ziyi, Michelle Yeoh and Lucy Liu as strong East Asian women; Yvonne Smink for her creativity and hard work, and Raphaëlle Boitel for the vision she shows through her large-scale shows.

Why did you choose the location in your photograph?

It's a really friendly spot. You could be a beginner or advanced, you can find a challenge catered to your ability.

A mentor of mine once said a spot cannot be limited, if you've run out of things to try, the limitation is in you rather than the spot.

This place is also tucked away from main roads or the busy public so it helps me focus on my training. The residents are friendly and allow me to use the space.

What’s your favourite thing about Manchester’s arts and culture scene?

I grew up in a city, so Manchester's scene has that similar bustle with a personable warmth. It might be the worker bee history and mindset that keeps everybody grafting.

I find that many creatives support each other no matter their art form. I feel artists here genuinely want to see each other shine.

I studied my undergraduate degree here and I'm proud to call Manchester my base.

What would you say to someone who has never done parkour?

You'll be surprised by how intelligent your body is. You never know until you try so grab someone you trust (extra points if they can help you deflect unsolicited advice) and give it a go.

The parkour community is so international now, and I'd say look up your local city's Facebook group - message them or if they've moved to another platform find them there.

Get curious, stay open minded, and be ready for your muscles to meet new strengths.

Louiseanne's parkour session - Summer and Hip Hop: Parkour - takes place on Sunday 16 August, inspired by our upcoming UK B-Boy Championships – World Breaking Finals 2026.