What do you enjoy most about 2016’s performance season?
There is so much that I enjoy about this year. From dancing in Don Quixote again, which was so much fun as Gamache is one of my favourite characters to play, to going on tour as I love the travelling and being able to experience and perform for a different audience. At the moment, we are rehearsing for Passages, and I love Natalie Weir’s Jabula, it is a powerful ballet that is physically very demanding, but I love dancing it. I am also looking forward to dancing my first ever principal role in The Nutcracker this December.
What is your most memorable performance in your life?
There are so many! But a performance that I will never forget is 2015’s Ballet Under the Stars. I had to dance in all three works for that night – Double Contrasts by Choo-San Goh, Rubies by George Balanchine and Lambarena by Val Caniparoli. I did not even have on second to breathe on those performance nights, but the intensity of the show made it so amazing to perform in. I like intense shows.
What do you think is the most beautiful aspect of ballet?
The precision and lightness of it. Ballet is a bit like a diamond, it is so hard to shape, but so beautiful to look at when well executed.
What motivates you to keep dancing?
Passion. And passion is hard to describe. I know that I am so lucky to be able to do what I love as a living. Being where I am today really required a lot of sacrifices in the past, and even now, a great amount of hard work is demanded from a dancer. I think that is why I value it so much too, the harder I work for it, the more I value the process and performance. Performing is what I have always dreamt of as a kid and I am lucky to live my dream. I can’t ask for more.
How has dance changed your life?
Being a teenager was very difficult for me, but I remember that having dance in my life really helped me keep my head out of the water. I think having a passion to rely on has helped me through many tough times, and that is priceless to me. I cannot really say that dance has changed my life, because I have never known a life without dance as I started very young! But dance has definitely shaped and defined my life very significantly.
Favourite costume, choreography, performance, dancer?
Favourite dancer: Sylvie Guillem, as always. Perfection. She is a boundless and beautiful dancer, so free to express and emote through her movements.
Costume: I have yet to see one that I really love, but I love out-of-this-world outfits and I am not scared to wear anything.
Performance: My favourite performance that I watched in Singapore would be Chorus Line as it really touched the very soul of the performer in me. I also enjoyed Totem by cirque du soleil; what those guys do is incredible. They really impressed me with their physical abilities!
What do you enjoy most about class/rehearsals?
This is a tough question. (laughs) I don’t necessarily love class or rehearsals, but I know that what comes out of it (better technique, better lines, better musicality) prepares me for performance, and being on stage is what matters to me. When days in the studios get a bit difficult, I will always remind myself that we do what we do in studio so that we will be ready for the stage. I am not afraid of hard work if I have a goal in front of me.
What is your greatest fulfilment in being a dancer?
Being a dancer has empowered me with the feeling of pursuing endless possibilities in my life. Dance is a language on its own, and it has enabled me to build connections and have a shared passion with so many people around the world. I also find great fulfilment in seeing myself improve as a dancer – training harder, getting stronger, being more motivated, all these pushes me to achieve even higher goals.
Interesting fact about yourself
I love knitting, a lot. And I love circus.
Biggest dream or desire? (Travel, where? Things to do, what? People to meet, who?)
I would love to travel everywhere, the world is so big!
Perhaps one day I would like to work for a touring company. Travelling is so much fun, discovering places, meeting people, learning new things. Maybe when I am pleased with my ballet career and feel like it is time to move on, I will try to join a circus.
Quote or motto to live by?
If you want something, try it because otherwise, you will never know. If you’ve set your mind on a goal or dream, risks and challenges are worth facing, have a go at it. Don’t be afraid.
