18-year-old ballet dancer puts dream on hold for National Service

Key Concepts

• Pred Lazison: A highly prestigious international ballet competition used for scouting talent for schools and companies.
• National Service (NS): Mandatory military service in Singapore.
• Birmingham Royal Ballet: The ballet company the speaker received a contract with.
• Principal Dancers: Leading roles within a ballet company, signifying high skill and experience.
• Ballet Variations: Short, self-contained pieces of choreography showcasing a dancer’s technique.

Early Exposure and Initial Spark

The speaker recounts discovering his passion for ballet at a very young age, around three years old. This initial interest was sparked by a CD of male ballet variations which prompted him to spontaneously dance and express joy through movement. This early exposure, combined with a family background in dance – his parents were principal dancers with the Singapore Ballet – laid the foundation for his future career path. He describes simply “hopping around, skipping around, twirling around” fueled by the music, signifying a natural inclination towards the art form.

Training and Ambition in Zurich

During his training in Zurich, the speaker demonstrated significant self-motivation and a strong desire to succeed. He explicitly states his childhood ambition: “I really wanted to be a star when I grew up.” This ambition translated into consistent hard work, even “throughout the not so good days,” highlighting his dedication and resilience. The narrative emphasizes a proactive approach to improvement and a commitment to daily practice.

The Birmingham Royal Ballet Contract and NS Consideration

A pivotal moment arrived with the offer of a two-year contract from the Birmingham Royal Ballet. The speaker immediately shared this news with his father, describing it as “a very, very good day.” However, the realization that the contract duration coincided with his obligation to serve National Service (NS) in Singapore presented a significant dilemma. He acknowledges the initial internal conflict: “Oh, but what about NS?” Despite the opportunity, he ultimately decided to postpone the contract and fulfill his NS commitment. He clarifies that the company was firm on the two-year contract length, making negotiation impossible.

Perspective on National Service

The speaker emphasizes that his decision to serve NS is not a source of regret or frustration. He expresses a genuine desire to contribute to his country, stating, “I actually really want to serve… I should be pretty proud to do so.” He frames NS as a duty and an honor. He anticipates challenges in maintaining his training regimen during his service, outlining a plan to train “whenever I book out” and utilize any available time, even simple stretches “in the bunks,” to preserve his skills.

Historical Context and Reassurance

The speaker draws strength and perspective from a conversation with a former teacher in Zurich. This teacher reminded him of historical precedents – dancers who had previously served in wartime and successfully returned to their careers. The teacher’s statement, “dancers back then, they had to go to war and they had to come back, but they're still dancers in the end,” provided reassurance and reinforced the speaker’s belief that he could overcome the challenges posed by NS. He “took that to heart” and feels confident in his ability to continue pursuing his ballet career after completing his service.

Pred Lazison Achievement

The speaker proudly states he is “the first Singaporean male to enter the Pred Lazison as a candidate.” He describes the competition as “really prestigious” and “highly regarded in the ballet world,” noting that approximately 80 dancers participate globally. He views participation as “a huge honor” and a valuable opportunity for exposure to schools and companies.

Conclusion

The speaker’s narrative highlights a dedication to ballet, a strong sense of national duty, and a resilient mindset. He demonstrates a willingness to prioritize his commitment to Singapore while maintaining a firm belief in his ability to return to and succeed in his chosen profession. His story underscores the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and a positive outlook in navigating challenging circumstances.