KWOK MIN YI

Principal artist at Singapore Dance Theatre

Most children, when asked what they want to be when they grow up, would give a different answer every month, depending on the adult role model or cartoon character currently in favour. Kwok Min Yi decided at the age of four that she wanted to be a ballerina and has never deviated from her chosen path since. So dedicated she was, that she forewent the conventional route of taking her A levels and going to university, and instead moved to London alone at the age of 16 to study at the English National Ballet School. Today, she is the Singapore Dance Theatre’s first Singaporean female principal.

How have the expectations and responsibilities placed on you changed since you became principal dancer early last year? How do you cope with the pressure?

When you are a principal dancer, people expect a certain level of artistic quality and technique in your dancing. It is my duty to lead the company and maintain the standard of the organisation. I practise whenever I am not needed for rehearsals because I believe that practice makes perfect. When I am able to execute certain demanding steps and sequences during practice, I have the confidence that my body will not fail me during rehearsals and performances.

Over the many years you have been dancing professionally, what is the most encouraging progress you have witnessed in the industry?

There are now more ballet schools catering to the increasing number of ballet students, which means parents today are showing more interest in the arts and proactively introducing their children to it at a young age.

What is your most memorable performance to date?

It would be my debut as Kitri in Don Quixote in March 2019. It was my first time performing the lead role in a full-length classical ballet. I still remember the emotions I felt while waiting in the wings to step out on stage for my entrance as if it were yesterday.

Do you have a mantra that motivates you at work?

Mind over matter. Keep pushing on!