For You ( ahhh so zhou lao shi..)

A tribute to Ming Ni before she leaves..never mind...one month will pass soon..
' time goes by..so slowly,every little thing that you say or do.. '




If there was one person I could pinpoint as the embodiment of a dedicated dancer, she would be Tan Ming Ni, one of the warmest, funniest, and most generous people I’ve ever met. From the time we crossed paths at the Ellie Zhou Ballet Studio - me, a greenhorn at ballet, she, an aspiring professional ballerina, 2 years my senior -, she has never ceased to amaze me with her ambitious drive, determined spirit, and approachable demeanor. I’d call her at any time, any where, and she would be ready to offer kind words of sympathy, solid, sisterly, advice, and firm moral support.

Who am I ? I’m 18 year-old Stephanie Lee Su-Ling, a recipient of a dance and journalism scholarship, currently pursuing the Professional Dance Course under Mr Zhou Gui Xin and the Celestar Jazz Dance Syllabus under the tutelage of Celeste Theunissen, Come September, I will be a freshman,a dance and journalism major.

I would have never dared to pursue this exciting yet emotionally turbulent course ( dance and journalism ) if it weren’t partly for the encouragement from Ming Ni. She doesn’t have to speak or write of her passion for dance; it radiates from her soul. Not only is she famed for her expressiveness, she is also well known as a self motivated and hardworking dancer. Her persistence with her pirrouttes paid off enormously when she showcased exceptional control and mastery of fouettes on pointe on stage; many marveled at her solo performance as the ‘Topaz Princess ‘ at the Slave Princess Ballet held recently in Kuala Lumpur, by the national Dance Society of Malaysia. The same girl who never backs down from a chance to perform and delight audiences also relentlessly pushes herself to the maximum; while juggling performing opportunities, teaching responsibilities, and grueling ballet technique classes, she has also found the time to take up Leadership and Pilates Instructor courses to improve herself physically and mentally.

A girl of many contradictions; she can forgo meals, socializing, and personal luxuries, but would never pass up the chance to get the latest dance magazines, dance books, autobiographies of famous dancers, and good quality dance gear ( all extremely costly at where we live ) A girl who focuses so well in class ; her sharp and accurate memory of ballet classwork and new exercises ( which are changed monthly at our studio, in order to stimulate and accelerate the learning curve ) often amaze me. A girl who’s charm, grace, and beauty could dazzle ( given more performing opportunities, who knows when her meteoric rise to fame will end ! ) even the most reluctant and primitive of dance enthusiasts. A girl who is compassionate and empathetic of the people around her, who’d never look down on the downtrodden or less talented, risking herself to help even the most anonymous of strangers. I remember clearly how she first extended her friendship to me when I took over her role in Don Quixote after she was promoted to a soloist in that particular ballet. Courteous, respectful, and gentle, she propped our teacher’s prestige when she participated and won in the National Dance competition in 2005.




Perhaps the biggest lesson she has taught me is how to cherish the subtlety, the ‘ zen ‘, still, quiet beauty of ballet. To her, ballet is all about the purity of the line and the simplicity yet breathtaking movement. I for one, admire her deeply for being able to express herself in the freedom of the music, showcase her personality on stage, and extend her joy of dance to everyone within a 10 mile radius. Her distinct style is reflected most strongly in the adagio – her interpretation original and exquisite, carried out most gracefully by her elegant arms, lanky legs, expressive torso, and dramatic toes. No matter what type of dance – jazz, modern, tap, ethnic, contemporary, classical, cultural/ traditional – I know she will succeed in making the dance her own, given her tendency to research extensively and practice dedicatedly.

This P.D.C ( {Professional Dance Course } graduate is one we are all proud of. I am confident that given more performing opportunities, Ming Ni will continue to shine on stage. Her resourcefulness, persistence, patience, and perseverance will take her through, come what may. Our ‘marshmallow’ may be soft on the outside, but she’s tough on the inside, and I daresay, nothing can possibly faze or stop her from achieving her goals and dreams.

Once again, I vouch my absolute confidence in Tan Ming Ni ; as a fellow dancer, classmate, senior, older sister, and friend.




Hope you like this !