How I Went From Engineering To Ballet | Singapore Hour

Key Concepts

• Soloist Role: A dancer positioned one tier below a Principal Dancer, often leading sections or performing significant roles within a ballet production.
• National Service (NS): Mandatory military service for male Singaporean citizens.
• One @ The Ballet: A studio showcase offering an intimate view of rehearsals and performances.
• Balanchine’s Philosophy: The idea that dancers should have to dance, not simply want to dance, emphasizing intrinsic motivation.
• Passages: The upcoming ballet performance featuring works by both Australian and Singaporean choreographers.
• Terra & The Bistro: Two distinct pieces within the “Passages” performance, representing abstract and narrative dance styles respectively.

A Day in the Life & Artistic Journey of Timothy Ng, Singapore Ballet Soloist

This transcript details the life and career of Timothy Ng, a soloist with the Singapore Ballet, offering insights into the dedication, challenges, and artistic philosophy behind professional ballet. It blends a chronological account of his journey with reflections on his current role, personal life, and the broader artistic landscape in Singapore.

Early Life & Overcoming Obstacles

Timothy’s introduction to ballet began at age six, initiated by his father. He faced initial social challenges due to the uncommon pursuit of ballet by boys, leading him to conceal his passion until age sixteen. Balancing academics with rigorous dance training proved demanding, requiring extensive commuting and sacrificing sleep. Despite the difficulties, he persevered, recognizing the ultimate value of pursuing his passion. He initially pursued university and even considered an engineering career, but ultimately felt compelled to return to dance, a decision initially viewed as risky by his mentor.

As his mentor recounts, “Timothy, at this point, I think it’s risky because time has passed.” However, Timothy’s dedication and work ethic proved successful, allowing him to rapidly develop his skills and ascend to the role of soloist.

The Demands of a Professional Dancer

A typical day for Timothy begins at 6:30 am, accommodating his young son’s schedule, followed by rehearsals from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. He highlights the physical demands of the profession, even experiencing a minor back injury during rehearsals due to partnering work and adjusting to studio spaces. He notes that proper technique should prevent injuries, attributing his strain to sudden tension. He emphasizes the difference between performing on stage, where lights and distance can mask imperfections, and the intimacy of studio showcases like “One @ The Ballet.”

“One @ The Ballet is a studio showcase where we showcase the works that we are currently rehearsing…You see our sweat dripping, you see us panting and you really see the little small mistakes here and there.” This format offers audiences a raw, unfiltered view of the dancers’ effort and artistry. He finds the close proximity to the audience energizing, requiring a heightened level of performance.

Artistic Philosophy & The Importance of Intention

Timothy articulates a profound understanding of dance, influenced by the renowned choreographer George Balanchine, who stated, “I don't want dancers who want to dance. I want dancers who have to dance.” This emphasizes the intrinsic drive and necessity that fuels a dancer’s commitment.

He explains that his approach to dance isn’t about achieving perfection, but about expressing personality and fulfilling the choreographer’s intention. “I do not dance for perfection. I dance for myself to bring out my personality to bring out the intention of what the choreographer wants.” He believes this perspective is crucial for audiences to embrace, recognizing that artistic expression isn’t about right or wrong answers, but about broadening perspectives. He extends this philosophy to his parenting, stating that the same heart he uses to nurture his son, Gabriel, informs his performance roles.

Current Projects & Collaborative Efforts

Timothy is currently involved in three new works by Natalie Weir, Tim Harbour, and Alice Topp. He is also contributing to “Passages,” a performance commissioned to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Australia-Singapore relations. This production features “Terra,” an abstract, tribal-inspired piece with numerous solos and duets, in which Timothy performs a duet, and “The Bistro,” a more narrative-driven piece depicting a dramatic scenario.

The choreographer’s inspiration for “Terra” involved a group dynamic, “It feels a bit more of an abstract piece. It feels a bit tribal in nature. And we're all dancing as a group in a big circle.”

Personal Life & Support System

The transcript provides a glimpse into Timothy’s personal life, introducing his wife, Priscilla, whom he met online, and their son, Gabriel, with another child on the way. Priscilla, initially unfamiliar with the arts, has embraced ballet through her relationship with Timothy. She admires his courage in pursuing his passion, stating, “I think him choosing to give up pursuing an engineering job to be a ballet dancer…takes a lot of courage to take the path less taken.” His mentor emphasizes the blessing of Timothy finding his path in dance after initially considering other options.

Photography as a Complementary Art Form

Timothy also practices photography, viewing it as a contrasting yet complementary art form to dance. While dance is a sequence of movements, photography captures a single, decisive moment. “While dancing is a collection of movements photography is just a particular frame, capturing the moment.”

Call to Action & Artistic Advocacy

The transcript concludes with a call to action, encouraging Singaporeans to explore dance and the arts. Timothy urges individuals to embrace their passions and take the initial step, regardless of age or experience. He believes that increased engagement with culture and art is essential for Singapore’s future. “I want to tell my fellow Singaporeans whether you're young, whether you’re old if you have this interest or this passion for dancing just go for it.”

Synthesis:

The transcript paints a portrait of a dedicated artist who overcame societal expectations and personal challenges to pursue his passion for ballet. Timothy Ng’s story highlights the demanding nature of professional dance, the importance of intrinsic motivation, and the power of art to broaden perspectives. His journey, coupled with the insights of his mentor and wife, underscores the value of courage, perseverance, and embracing the unconventional path. The transcript ultimately advocates for greater artistic engagement within Singapore, emphasizing the transformative potential of culture and the arts.