Singaporean Ballet Prodigy Pauses Career for National Service

At just 18, Leo Cheng, a rising ballet star from Singapore, is taking a significant pause in his career to fulfill National Service obligations. Cheng, who began ballet at the age of three, has already garnered impressive accolades, including scholarships to prestigious ballet institutions in the UK and Switzerland. However, he now faces a pivotal moment as he prepares to enlist on January 5, 2024.

Cheng’s journey in ballet reflects a deep-rooted passion, influenced by his parents, both former dancers with the Singapore Dance Theatre. They also founded the Cheng Ballet Academy, nurturing his talent from a young age. In a recent episode of 8world’s Real Talk No Filter, Cheng shared insights about his path and future aspirations.

By age 11, he had already received a full scholarship to a ballet school in the UK. In 2021, he secured another full scholarship for the Zurich Dance Academy. His father, who also serves as his dance teacher, initially hesitated to send Cheng abroad. However, he recognized that broader experiences were essential for his son’s artistic growth. “I felt that if he really wanted to study ballet, he wasn’t mature enough yet as a young dancer,” he explained.

Cheng’s dedication paid off when he was selected as one of only 86 dancers from 445 applicants to compete at the prestigious Prix de Lausanne, an international competition for dancers aged 15 to 18.

Now, Cheng faces a challenging decision. He received an offer for a two-year contract with the Birmingham Royal Ballet, one of the UK’s top ballet companies. However, on the same day, he was informed of his impending National Service enlistment. Advisors in the ballet community recommended he complete his service before pursuing a professional career, as a later hiatus could prove disruptive.

Reflecting on this transition, Cheng expressed a mix of 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.” This maturity in his outlook showcases his commitment to both his art and his responsibilities.

Cheng’s father echoed concerns about how a two-year break might affect his son’s skills. “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 remarked.

Despite these challenges, Cheng remains hopeful about his future. His recent win of the only Grand Prix awarded in the Asia-Pacific region at the Youth America Grand Prix in Manila further solidifies his potential. This victory earned him an invitation to the YAGP Global Finals in the United States in May 2024, just months after his enlistment begins.

Cheng has set his sights on joining a larger ballet company in Europe post-National 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 stated.

Although Cheng’s parents are Taiwanese, he emphasizes his 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 explained. This connection fuels his willingness to serve his country through National Service, marking an important chapter in his life.

As Cheng prepares to balance his responsibilities with his aspirations, his journey serves as an inspiring reminder of the dedication and resilience required in the pursuit of excellence in the arts.