Singapore Dancer Leo Cheng Pauses UK Ballet Plans for National Service

At just 18 years old, Singaporean ballet dancer Leo Cheng is setting aside his plans for a promising career in the UK to fulfill his obligation of National Service. Cheng, who began his ballet journey at the age of three, has already achieved significant milestones, including scholarships to prestigious ballet schools. He now faces a pivotal moment in his career as he prepares to enlist on January 5, 2024.

Cheng, standing at 1.81 meters tall, is the son of former dancers from the Singapore Dance Theatre and founders of the Cheng Ballet Academy. His early training laid a solid foundation for his talent, leading him to earn a full scholarship to a UK ballet school at age 11. In 2021, he secured another full scholarship to the Zurich Dance Academy, where he honed his skills further.

His father, who also serves as his dance teacher, initially hesitated to send his son abroad. He later recognized that exposure to different teaching styles and environments would contribute significantly to Cheng’s development as a dancer. He stated, “I felt that if he really wanted to study ballet, he wasn’t mature enough yet as a young dancer. Staying under me all the time wouldn’t help him grow.”

This year, Cheng garnered attention as one of only 86 dancers selected from 445 competitors for the Prix de Lausanne, an esteemed international classical ballet competition for young talents aged 15 to 18. Just as he was on the cusp of a two-year contract with the Birmingham Royal Ballet, he learned of his National Service requirement.

Reflecting on his situation, Cheng expressed mixed emotions. “I was in Switzerland when we first talked about NS, and honestly I was a bit upset. Because all my classmates were joining companies and some were already dancing soloist and leading roles, and I had to return to serve NS. But later I tried to think positive, and I felt better about it. I think I can handle it.”

His father voiced concerns about the potential impact of this break on Cheng’s dancing. “His technique and muscle memory could weaken. As a dancer, he has to train every single day to maintain his strength and keep his technique sharp,” he explained.

Despite the challenges ahead, Cheng has reason to celebrate. In September, he won the only Grand Prix awarded in the Asia-Pacific region at the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) held in Manila, securing an invitation to the YAGP Global Finals in the United States, scheduled for May 2024. This achievement highlights his exceptional talent and potential for future success.

Cheng remains optimistic about his future in ballet. He plans to continue training during his National Service, stating, “I can’t just finish NS and expect to be a top dancer right away. Of course it’ll be harder – I’ll have to keep training throughout the two years of NS.”

Although his parents are originally from Taiwan, Cheng feels a strong connection to Singapore. “I grew up in Singapore so I have a sense of childhood and belonging in Singapore. All my ballet training and everything comes from Singapore, and that’s the reason I’m able to shine in other countries and win so many competitions overseas,” he remarked.

Cheng views his upcoming National Service as an important chapter in his life, expressing his commitment to serving the country that has shaped his journey as a dancer. His story serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between personal ambition and civic duty, as he prepares to step back from the stage in pursuit of broader responsibilities.