Singapore’s Dance Prodigy Leo Cheng Pauses Career for National Service

At just 18 years old, Singaporean ballet dancer Leo Cheng has made significant strides in his career, but he is now set to pause his ambitions to fulfil his National Service (NS) requirements. Cheng, who has been dancing since he was three, was recently offered a two-year contract with the prestigious Birmingham Royal Ballet, but learned he must enlist for NS on January 5. This unexpected turn has prompted a reflection on his journey and future aspirations.

Cheng’s ballet path has been remarkable. He began training under the guidance of his parents, former dancers with the Singapore Dance Theatre and founders of the Cheng Ballet Academy. By age 11, he received a full scholarship to a ballet school in the UK, followed by another scholarship to the Zurich Dance Academy in 2021. His father, who also serves as his dance teacher, initially hesitated to send him abroad, fearing it would be premature. Ultimately, he recognised the necessity of broader experiences for Cheng’s growth. “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,” he explained.

Cheng’s achievements have included being selected as one of only 86 dancers from 445 to compete at this year’s Prix de Lausanne, a prestigious international ballet competition for young talents. Yet, as he prepares for NS, he grapples with the challenges of taking a break from his career.

Reflecting on the situation, Cheng expressed his initial disappointment while in Switzerland when he first learned about NS. “Honestly, I was a bit upset. All my classmates were joining companies and some were already dancing soloist and leading roles, and I had to return to serve NS,” he said. Despite this setback, he has adopted a positive outlook. “I think I can handle it,” he added.

Concerns remain about the potential impacts of his break. Cheng’s father noted that prolonged inactivity could weaken his son’s technique and muscle memory, crucial elements for a dancer. “As a dancer, he has to train every single day to maintain his strength and keep his technique sharp,” he stated.

In September, Cheng achieved a significant milestone by winning the only Grand Prix awarded in the Asia-Pacific region at the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) in Manila. This victory earned him an invitation to the YAGP Global Finals in the United States in May 2024. However, this event will occur shortly before he begins his National Service.

Despite these challenges, Cheng remains focused on his long-term aspirations. He envisions joining a larger ballet company in Europe after completing NS and recognises the need for continued training during his service. “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,” he explained.

Cheng, whose parents are Taiwanese, views his National Service as an important milestone. He expressed a deep sense of belonging to Singapore, stating, “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.” His commitment to serving his country reflects a strong sense of duty and appreciation for his upbringing.

As Cheng prepares for this new chapter in his life, his supporters and fans are keenly watching how he navigates this pause in his ballet career, hoping to see him return stronger and more accomplished in the future.