Her Story: Lee Jia Ying

One thing I love most about my pole dance community is we always support and empower each other. I will never forget the first time I try pole dancing back in 2016. It all started with a curiosity to try something new and a dream to be a showgirl and perform again. After a good friend of mine told me about her new love for pole dancing, I decided to give it a try and oh boy, it was love at the first spin. Even though it was also very intimidating to be in the same room with a bunch of athletic people but very soon I learn just like anything else in life, you don’t rush the process but allow yourself to grow at your own pace. Pole dancing is never about comparing yourself with others. It’s about having fun and celebrating every little progress.

It was during my first month exploring different pole fitness classes at Milan Pole Dance Studio, Singapore that I met one of my favorite instructors/girl crush Lee Jia Ying. Fearless, bold, and sassy – Jia Ying is a full-time doctor and teaches pole dance usually on the weekends. She radiates strength, grace, and positivity with a huge passion for circus and travel. Jia Ying taught me my first exotic classes where I learn not only how to be stronger and sexier, but also to be more comfortable in my own skin. Because the truth is, it’s not easy to dance with 8-inch heels, perform few tricks on the pole or floorwork routine. Sometimes you’d even go upside down and if you join her classes…you never know whether you’re supposed to dance and channel your inner Pussycat Dolls, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, a lioness or Disney’s characters. I still remember one of our first conversations was when she taught me new pole tricks and I couldn’t do it. At the end of the class she said it’s okay if you can’t figure it out today, you’re not supposed to have it all figured out in a day anyway, but you can always try again tomorrow. Grow at your own pace. If you fall, then pick yourself up. Keep going and be patient.

And that’s what I find truly inspiring about her; the way she celebrates and empowers others. Her passion and commitment to always grow and improve herself so she can support and help others in the studio or at the hospital. As a part of my upcoming book Metamorfosis and my new series Her Story, I am so excited to introduce you to some of the amazing human beings I know. I hope Jia Ying’s story will inspire you just like how she has inspired us back in the studio, also a friendly reminder that you’re never too old or too late to reinvent yourself.

So, tell me about your background and what are you passionate about?

I grew up with a very supportive family in Singapore, who exposed me to all sorts of hobbies and art forms when I was young. I am grateful that being a lady I have had so many opportunities. I am aware that I am very fortunate and am passionate about helping other women achieve independence and empowerment. I am also passionate about life and living to the fullest. 

When did you start dancing? How did you find your love for dancing?

I started at 4 years old in Ballet Class, and I did not stop until I was 24 after starting to work as a doctor and teach Pole Dancing in my spare time. I found my love for dancing when I realized what a tool it could be to engage, inform, awaken the audience. Dance can tell a story, invoke emotions and connect both the dancer and the viewer. This was most evident to me as I watched more contemporary dance forms as an adult.

Why pole dance? How long have you been pole dancing?

Since I had been exposed to sports, arts, dance, I found it very apt to do pole as it combines all these hobbies I had picked up along the way. It is strong, feminine, versatile, and best of all it is progressive and always improving. I also found so much inspiration watching Pole artists “tell their story” in a competition called Pole theatre, created by Michelle and Maddie. I make it a point to always create performances with an alter ego, or a storyline; because dance is nothing but pretty movements without having a meaning behind it.

What do you love most about your profession?

I love my day job as a doctor because I work with sports injuries and broken bones. It is rewarding fixing problems and getting my patients back to their activities. For a person who appreciates function, movement and sports, I love sharing what information I have with my patients and helping them achieve their goals.

What’s the hardest challenge as doctor and pole instructor?

As a doctor, hours can be unpredictable and in the past I used to have poor time management especially as a “Type A” person who loves cramming my schedule and eventually I burnt out. But I have taken a step back to give myself more time and breathing space, and it has helped with a more sustainable lifestyle.

If you could collaborate, perform, or dance together with someone - who would it be?

So many! Beyonce, Yanis Marshall, Disney/Pixar, Pussycat Dolls, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Annama Janyman, Gaby Borrayo, all the korean pole dancers, Anna Duc, even my sister (Sea Ng)!

I know you travel a lot, tell me some of your favorite places and why?

My favourite place is Mexico. Lots of mountains/beaches/culture/food/dancing/ancient history/folklore.

Have you ever doubted yourself? How to overcome fear?

There will always be doubts. Are my hands good enough to do surgery? Am I strong enough to fix big bones? Will my pole class be exciting enough for this high level student? But I am generally able to “fake it till you make it”. Also adequate preparation and good planning is 70% of the battle won. 

What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned in life? Can also be in the last 6 months year?

No matter where you start, be it at the front or back; you will always reach the destination if you keep doing it. Also, focus your limited time and energy on fewer things to get really good at them. 

What’s your biggest achievement or your proudest moment?

Yet to come. Will update you :) Don’t look back at your achievements but look forward to achieving!

If you could travel back to the past, is there anything you wish you could change and why? 

To be a nicer person, more friendly, and not be quick to judge people.

If you could do/be anything in the world, what would it be? Can be dream job, any opportunity?

Sometimes I wish I were a beautiful ballerina. Or an astronaut. But actually I love where I am and have no regrets. 

What’s the lesson or hardest challenge during quarantine / pandemic?

The lesson is don’t sweat the small stuff. Your crisis is not as important as others’. 

What makes you happy? What makes your soul shine?

A good day, when I study to prepare for an operation, do it well, go to dance after work, cook a nice dinner and spend time with my husband. And the occasional travelling and exploring where I learn new things and experience a new culture.

What inspires you?

Gyscha! Who left her hometown for the unknown and dared to follow her dreams. And the like.

What are you most grateful in life?

My parents who gave me so many opportunities. And my husband who taught me how to calm down and chill. 

How would you describe yourself? 

HARD question. Why dont you describe me!

What’s next for you?

My career as a doctor still has many years to go! And maybe baby jiaying when the career is more stable:)