Twelve-year-old Yu Ka Nam, Natalie, currently in primary four, loves to move her body to the rhythm wherever she is, whether it’s in the dance studio, on the streets, in an elevator, or even sitting in her classroom seat, exuding confidence in every gesture. Looking back to when she was in primary one, things were quite different. Learning was challenging for her due to symptoms of dyslexia, but it was through learning to dance that she gradually overcame her sense of defeat on stage. The “Jebsen InspiringHK!” Programme aims to discover talent beyond academics, allowing each individual to regain confidence, and showcase their uniqueness.
Natalie had always had a strong desire to perform from a young age, she would also sit and observe when her older siblings attended dance classes. When she finally reached the minimum age requirement at four years old, she enrolled immediately to dance classes. Since joining Street Dance Class in 2020, she gradually fell in love with street dance and was captivated by the rhythm and freedom of the dance steps.
I have learned K-pop, Popping, Hip-Hop, but my favourite is popping because the movements are not as tiring.
She successfully applied for the IHKSports Scholarship for Continuing Training in 2022 to continue her dance training. Last year, when the opportunity arose, she returned to IHKSports to continue her dancing journey.
Passionate about Performance: Dancing with Joy and Confidence
During the early stages of primary one, Natalie struggled academically due to her dyslexia, greatly affecting her confidence. The school provided necessary measures to assist in her learning such as tablets to read aloud exam questions. However, Natalie’s mother always hoped that her daughter could explore areas where she excelled beyond academics. After joining the dance class, Natalie finally found her own stage where she picked up various dance steps and movements quickly, allowing her to gradually overcome self-doubt and regain confidence with a smile.
Street dance values individual style and combination of techniques, often the music and dance style are drawn on spot during competitions. Therefore, Natalie tries to listen to music of different genres as preparation. Natalie’s mother laughed and said that whenever it comes to anything related to dancing, her daughter takes the initiative to learn. “When she sees new dance steps, she will approach and ask for guidance, or wait after class to get advice from the coach. She self-learns makeup and hair braiding with her friends and even dares to approach those older than her when she sees new makeup products being used. She has become more willing to express herself.”
One time, Natalie sought help from her mother after feeling a slight pain in her shoulders and neck while practising in class which she discovered a bruise on her back. However, her love for dancing did not stop her from practising and she learned to temporarily reduce the range of motion in her hands. “If I pulled or exerted too much force, it would hurt. Fortunately, it healed within two weeks.”
Enjoying Performances: “Dancing until I Don’t Want to Anymore”
At such a young age, Natalie already has extensive performance experience, having participated in street dance flash mobs for the first time this year. She thoroughly enjoys performing. “Everyone focuses their attention on the stage and watches us dance.” She hopes to continue improving her dance skills, participating in more competitions and performances, and says,
I hope to keep dancing and dancing until I don’t want to dance anymore.