Full-time training: The Temple of Fine Arts Malaysia; Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), Edith Cowan University.
Presently: Part-time lecturer at the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (ASWARA), Malaysia; dancer with TFA Inner Space Dance and Akram Khan Company.
What is the main lesson you learnt?
One of the biggest lessons I learnt at WAAPA was the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone. My teachers constantly challenged me to work harder, push beyond what I thought I was capable of and fully commit to my training. At the time, I sometimes felt like I was being singled out, but over time I realised that their feedback came from a genuine belief in my potential.
That constant encouragement to strive for more helped me develop discipline, resilience and a stronger sense of confidence in my artistry. The most valuable part is that I didn’t fully appreciate those lessons until after graduating. Once I entered the professional world, I understood exactly what my teachers had been preparing me for. Their guidance gave me the tools to navigate challenges, trust my abilities and continue growing as an artist.
What advice would you give to someone considering pursuing full-time dance studies at WAAPA?
Be prepared to embrace the entire experience and stay open to every opportunity that comes your way. Full-time dance training is incredibly rewarding, but it is also demanding. There will be highs and lows, moments of confidence and moments of doubt.
Many students arrive expecting to dance all day, but the academic and theoretical workload is just as significant as the physical training. At times, you may feel mentally, emotionally and physically exhausted. However, those challenges are what make the experience so valuable.
My advice is to trust the process, remain curious and make the most of every class, performance and connection. WAAPA provides an environment that pushes you to grow not only as a dancer, but also as a well-rounded and adaptable artist.