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:)

Passion, Love and Life with Omyogana

Passion is what makes life interesting and worth living. I’m a firm believer if you just follow your passion, do what you love…love what you do, focus and work hard with a positive attitude, it will eventually lead you to opportunities even places you never thought before. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been incredibly blessed to do things I truly love. Even luckier to be surrounded by a bunch of strong, kind, passionate people who simply love life. They continuously inspire me to be a better person, to never stop improving myself. 

If I had to choose one person who inspires me most, that would be a good friend of mine Ana. I’ve known her since 2010. She’s a ray of sunshine. Strong. Bold. Fearless. When I see her, I see someone’s who passionate about life, about everything she does. She breathes life into whatever she touches. A kind of person who wants to see you win, who would celebrate and support you. Not only we’ve shared stage, meals, laughs, good and bad times together but the past 9 years have been truly an honor for me to grow together with her. To watch her evolution from a dancer/choreographer to a wife then a mother. A few years ago after she gave birth to her first son, Ana felt like little Nael gave her the strength to accomplish anything in life. Had been practicing yoga for years, Ana decided to take yoga teacher training courses in Paris and finally open up her own company Omyogana. Not only yoga has changed her life for the better, but also taught her the value of living with intention. My dear friend became a yoga teacher, an entrepreneur, but doesn’t matter what her title - I know she’d continue to be an amazing mother, daughter, wife, friend, human being and bring positive changes in people’s lives. 

Last April when I visited her in Poilley, France I had a chance to join a couple of her classes and capture how she brings joy and lights into the class. Standing at the corner of the room watching Ana teach FitDance, her laugh and energy are sooo contagious. Before I left, we even did an impromptu yoga photoshoot near Mont Saint-Michel. Memories I’ll cherish forever, also a reminder that you have all the power to change your life…to reinvent yourself again. Be curious, be open-minded to try new things and always do your best in whatever you do…you never know where they’ll take you. 

Eze, France

Remember the scene in Disney’s Beauty and The Beast where Belle takes a walk around her village? Yes, we’re talking about the romantic, picturesque old town with cobblestone streets, art galleries and little shops. Well, Eze Village located between Nice and Menton looks a lot like a mini Disneyland with a perfect blend of fairytale storybook and rich French culture. Local people says so many tourists visiting Eze Village in summer, less crowded in winter. The beach and mountains are only few minutes away from the village. So either you want to soak up the sun, go hiking, or even just visiting other towns in French Riviera you know you just have to go down to the train station or rent a car. You can also visit Jardin Exotique - a beautiful garden at the top of Eze Village, few perfumeries and art galleries. If you always dreamed of a simple life in French Rivier ( good wine, good food, good life ) then Eze is the place to be.

Life's Good

I grew up watching my mum worked really hard for the family. She teaches at the university, so when she got morning classes she'd leave home earlier than us and of course came back home late when she got to teach the evening classes. Sometimes she even invited me to sit in her classes and I saw how her students really love and respect her. The whole picture of career-oriented woman in her inspired and motivated me to be just as strong, amazing and humble as her. Do what you love, love what you do... I remember I couldn't wait to finish high school simply because I wanted to work, I wanted to have a job so bad. I wanted to dress up, you know like those morning female CEO's morning looks where she glides through an expansive lobby balancing her phone in her left hand, checking those emails and appointments, while trying to sip her morning coffee. She walks confidently her way up in the elevator. She makes positive changes, no matter how small or big, and continuously inspiring others. So I got my very first job as a tourist guide after I graduated high school. I came to sooooo many job interviews only to get rejected - people thought I was so young and had to wait couple of more years to finish university, but I just couldn't wait to be really productive and do something interesting at least for myself first. Right when I almost gave up, the expat community in Jakarta called me, they hired me the same day to work part time as a tourist guide. Of course I had no experience before at tourism industry, but I've always loved meeting people and confident at public-speaking, I was quite familiar with Java, Bali and Jakarta and wanted to work with people from different backgrounds. The manager saw that I was willing to learn and work hard, he gave me chances and the rest is history. I am thankful for him to give me that huge opportunity when no one else didn't believe in me. 

8 years later... here I am. Enjoying my morning commute to work, I do grab my coffee every morning and check my emails, dress up depends on the mood( because a girl should be two things : classy and fabulous ) or ripped jeans - blazer - with a touch of red lipstick or no make up at all when I'm too...lazy. Still, oh always, bubbly, crazy, energetic and I constantly remind myself to take a break, a little pause, live in the moment and appreciate little things in life. Even tho in a real life, when I'm overwhelmed and overloaded at work - I just forgot to pause, instead just pushing myself like what I did last week and promised once it's done I would take a walk, treat myself with iced coffees, take couple of pictures, just a little break to clear my mind. One of the things I absolutely love most about Singapore is definitely my office is located strategically in the city center, so it's easy and convenient to walk to Esplanade, Marina Baysands and City Hall. I love taking my evening walk all the way to Marina, and stare at the view of tall buildings behind me. It reminds me of the long journey I had to go through before I got here, and how grateful I am to be able watching miracles happen every single moment in life, dreams come true, those little thoughts become things, surrounded by soooo much love... that I still have to pinch myself and whisper is this even real ? 

Two.Seven

It doesn't matter how exhausted or hectic my days, logging into my personal blog and write something - even just a little bit, always feels like therapy. And scrolling down to the very first page I wrote about 4 years ago, I just never thought my diary would take me faaaaarrrr away through a lot of adventures and some days end up watching my dreams come true.

Grateful

I can't think of other words to express how I feel right now but simply grateful...to be where I am right now, healthy, I have more than enough, I can breathe and God gave me another day - another chance to live the kind of life I want, surrounded by kind and amazing people. Last week I celebrated my birthday in Italy, at a very small town of Positano-Amalfi Coast. Had quite a lazy day on the beach, went hiking and singing out loud at the top of the hill, dancing on the street ( people might think this girl was crazy ) chased the sunset, met new people and obviously I spoiled myself with good wines, espressos  and Italian food...after all the hard work I've done for the past few months, I'm so happy to take a little break and just having some big quality me-time. For the past 8 years I've been very lucky to celebrate my birthday in different places. I don't throw big parties, but I do celebrate in special ways. I have always loved the idea to book flight tickets, escape a little bit from my routines and just explore new places. From Cambodia to New York, from Sydney to Milan, Malaysia to Bali, and currently in Rome, birthday trip has been one thing I always look forward to do each year. Well, we travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us, right ? So let's celebrate, appreciate more little things in life, clear your mind and come back with a better version of you...

I am blessed to start 2016 with a new job that not only allows me to learn and grow every single day with my team, but also lets me to explore, make positive changes, experience different things, even dance to my own beat. I also found myself a new home where I can rest, write, create and begin again. At this stage of my life, where life's like a white canvas and it's up to you - what color, shape, or story do you want to draw there - I'm glad I always have the courage to paint with different colors, draw the kind of line and write the story I want, it doesn't always look beautiful or perfect, but hey we don't compare - instead we keep learning and improving, and that's how I simply in love with my life, myself, curious of what's next but never rush, always one step at a time.

Photos by : Dani Budiawan

For Safeena : Colors. Dreams. Happiness

   Here's a post for a very special someone out there. My best friend, make up artist, manager... Safeena.

  How i wish right now I could be next to you, darling. I know I can't help much, but we all know you're a very strong girl, you've always been really brave from the beginning - things will be absolutely okay. While you're fighting your best, I thought I'd love to share some photos - to let you know that I'm living my dreams here...after all the hard work we've done together, thank you for always being supportive and believing in me.

  I could never forget the first time we met at my first day at work, I walked into the office like a model, smiling but deep inside I was scared, you know...first day never really easy, especially when you're working with a very tough and amazing leader like Joseph Perries. But you and Siti came to me, gave me a hug and kiss on the cheek, a very warm welcome - and it was just the beginning of our great friendship.The day after, we all became really close like sisters ( even tho most of the times I bullied you under the desk ). I was always a very messy girl, you could never find my desk clean, ahhh even my clothes too - Those days when you and Ratih had to clean my keyboard, my bags, share lunch, donuts, one day we can just spending hours at work doing hair and nails, forget about our real job, went to Kota Kasablanka to buy nailpolish and bread, shooting all day -  I found it's amazing how you girls always saw me as someone with talents, you told me million times that I deserved a bigger and better place, on the centerstage- under the spotlight that's where I belong, working in entertainment industry just suit me better than oil and gas. You believed in me so much, helped me a lot shooting showreels for television, dropped me to some auditions, even though i failed a lot that year, you were one of those people who never have doubt that in the end I'll make it back to centerstage.

   And here I am now, it's been 2 months live in Orlando, I couldn't be more grateful to be surrounded by happy people, colors, dreams come true, inspirations, happiness, love - it gives me such a positive energy to create more and dream bigger, working my way back to the center stage - just so one day...one day you can do make up and my hair again, let people see it's someone amazing like you that makes her glowing and strong.