Videos

How does modelling help dancers perform better? The fashion industry has progressed massively from the days of archetypal body types and facial features, where the one size fits all model loomed by and large. Nowadays, it is about compatibility and authenticity. Find the right agency or project, and a model…

How much does fashion influence dance and vice versa? Does dance photography differ from commercial fashion photography? The truth is, the dancer and the dancing body offers a model unlike any other, as the physical architecture and visual awareness potentially render a photographical experience something beyond just the image. Szabina…

In Episode 5, we arrive at the finale for our first season of this mini series! For this week, I take a completely different route and share with you all a personal story derived from my professional journey thus far. What does it mean, or why go abroad to live…

In Episode 4, we come to the end of our interviews for Season 1 of this special series. This time round, we talked about audience engagement for the arts. How important is Shakespearean teachings still nowadays? And is art a product or service, or maybe both? Find out as we…

Episode 3 brings us face to face with the world of theatre, and the age old debate of public vs. private education in developing the next generation of theatre makers. How far has performing arts education been commoditized? And is there anything to institutional prestige in the current market? Find…

In Part 2 of our conversation, we discussed ways in which we can build more sustainable business and developmental plans for Malaysian artists and organizations for the 21st century. How does institutional framework play a role in determining policies? Find out as we dive deep into what the world of…

In the inaugural episode of MIM, we start by brainstorming some potential policies targeted at aiding the local funding systems as well as how both public and private investment play a crucial role in further developing Malaysian artists for both present and future. Currently, JS Wong serves as the President…

Although most of us would have to teach at some point, education accounts for much of what the present and even upcoming generation promises to offer. In other words, it's not easy and should never be taken for granted! Instead of relying on standardized education, why not adapt your way…

What does it mean to be a nomadic artist? What exactly is a contemporary nomad? With the increasingly globalized world we live in today, it's only natural that dance artists travel to where opportunity presents itself. However, constant migration often leads to fragmented individualities and scattered homes, which results in…

Why engage in academic research as a dancer? How does intellectual rigour contribute to the development of a dance artist? While we are often instructed to dance first and think later, careers in the performing arts can resemble a slippery slope to many. So, why not combine the visceral with…

How can we best navigate power dynamics within a dance workplace? What about through active agency and heterarchy? Organizational structures have historically been a challenge for corporates and performing arts groups alike, mostly presenting itself as a tough nut to crack. However, therein lie a multitude of ways to better…

Ever wondered why Urban/LA Choreography has grown into the cultural (TikTok) phenomenon it is today? While choreography works differently according to specific genres, creative capacity runs parallel across all choreographers. Obviously, the only way to find out is by diving deep into the mind of one! 👉 Learn how to…

How does a piece of choreography extend its lifespan and visibility beyond the point of creation? Choreography Online is the world's first online choreography marketplace, paving the way for creators to not only license and sell their works to a global audience, but also others to purchase rights to a…

Is podcasting a necessary medium for the arts? There are already a multitude of dance podcasts available that offer such wide-ranging information, so it shouldn't be a question. My answer is obviously YES, but let me share with you exactly WHY: 👉Not all dancers just dance 👉Extension of the dance…

Remember when having a journal was actually cool? Instead of filling one up with words and whimsical doodles, try movement instead. And is social media a viable option to build a dance archive? Many today are pondering the question of standing out in our sea of information while still expressing…

Many dancers like to write, while many writers also like to dance. So, why not combine the two by writing movement or moving through words? In this episode, we learn about Melinda Gaskin's journey from dancer, teacher, choreographer and now Chief Editor of the Hong Kong Dance Magazine. Learn how…

With so many different professions now available, it can be difficult to identify the right fit. That's why we have personality tests! In this episode, we learn about one of the simplest and straightforward personality assessments to experiment with in the form of BIRDS. Also, we pair your findings with…

What does it mean to be producing for dance? Producers are playing an increasingly important role in today's global market and thus, carry just as much accountability as their artist counterparts. In this episode, we learn about Bilqis Hijjas, a freelancer and veteran within the Southeast Asian scene with more…

Despite the lack of professional dance companies around the world, a lot of risks are still involved in establishing one. So why should you, and how could you do one at all? In this episode, we learn about Dr. Joseph Gonzales' mission and vision with ASK Dance Company, one of…

The average lifespan of a professional dancer is 35! Transitions can be daunting, but dancers need to consider one at some point. So why not start now? In this episode, we ruminate about the reality and necessity of career transition. Also, some highlights through the show's 10 thematic categories. Join…

Are you an Aspirational Agent? In this episode, we have a little wordplay derived from the acronym of D.A.N.C.E. The world of dance mirrors a massive ecosystem, thus who are we hoping to connect with? Join us as we begin to foreground dance in the background! 🎧 Listen to the…

Why did the platform first emerge? In this episode, we discuss the FOUR major principles driving the platform and what YOU can do to develop a successful and sustainable career in the ever-evolving world of dance and the performing arts. 🎧 Listen to the full episode - The Background Dancer…

Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Background Dancer! Here, I share my vision and passion for all things offstage and careers regarding the world of dance and performing arts. To begin with, how large is the cultural industries? Behind every star performer on stage, there are a host of…