Hafiz (@haizoid) , a talented dancer from Singapore, recently captured the attention of audiences worldwide when a video of his Malay dance performance in New York went viral on Instagram. With over 54K views and recognition from news outlets like Mothership, Hafiz's dance became a symbol of cultural representation and bridging gaps between communities. Hafiz shares his journey, challenges, and the significance of his dance performance.
Photo Credit: Hafiz
Embracing Cultural Identity:
Photo credit: @haizoid on Instagram
Hafiz was in New York for the theatre jazz course and he also happened to be in New York during the Eid-Al Adha period.
Hafiz shared, "I initially bought baju melayu just to take a picture in Times Square during the Eid al-Adha period. It was the first time I was away from my family for Eid. But then I thought, why not go a step further and showcase Malay dance in a place so far away where they might not even know who Malay people are?"
However, his decision took an unexpected turn when he decided to showcase Malay dance as a representation of the Malay community in a place where their culture might be unknown.
Overcoming Fear and Doubt:
Credit: Ahmad Kamil, shared by Hafiz
Fear and doubt loomed over Hafiz's decision to perform Malay dance in New York. He admitted being apprehensive about potential Islamophobia and considered not going through with it. However, encouraged by his long-time best friend, Hafiz pushed past his worries and took the leap of faith to embrace his cultural heritage.
The Challenges of Adaptation
Wearing a green jacket over his baju melayu, Hafiz faced challenges adjusting to the unfamiliar space before starting filming. Times Square's bustling environment and noise posed unique difficulties for him.
"It took a while to even start filming because I had to get used to the space. Times Square is so loud, and it's quite overwhelming."
Nevertheless, Hafiz's determination prevailed, and he embarked on his memorable performance.
A Dilemma of Song Choice:
Prior to his dance, Hafiz conducted an Instagram poll to involve his followers in the decision-making process. He faced a dilemma when it came to choosing a song, as he wanted to represent the Singaporean Malay community during his time in New York. Ultimately, he decided to perform a Singaporean Malay dance to emphasize his connection to his roots.
Unexpected Love and Support:
The overwhelming love and support Hafiz received far exceeded his expectations. Even after the video went viral, he continues to receive notifications from admirers. Hafiz acknowledges that Singaporeans are generally more interested in genres like hip hop and contemporary dance, which have more competitive platforms. Nevertheless, the outpouring of support for his Malay dance demonstrates the importance of representing minority dance forms and celebrating cultural diversity.
A Lifelong Passion:
Credit: Crispian Chan, shared by Hafiz
Hafiz's journey as a dancer spans various genres and art forms, but he maintains that he can never let go of Malay dance. Despite exploring other styles, such as jazz and musical theatre, Hafiz acknowledges the significance of incorporating elements of Malay dance into his performances.
“It took me years to start calling myself a dancer," admits Hafiz, reflecting on his journey. He explains that for him, Malay dance is usually done out of respect for the culture, stating, "Malay dance has always been something that I appreciate." Despite exploring other dance forms like jazz, Hafiz firmly believes he can never let go of Malay dance.
Following His Passion:
Photo credit: Hafiz
Hafiz's decision to pursue a career in the performing arts wasn't initially met with enthusiasm from his family. Concerns about stability and livelihood were prevalent. However, after witnessing Hafiz's dedication and talent, his parents became supportive and attended his shows. Their unwavering support and belief in his abilities brought Hafiz to tears.
Where it all started
Hafiz's journey into dance began with a serendipitous encounter and a gradual realization of his true calling. At 17, Hafiz started his dance training specialising in Malay dance.
He only started musical theatre later in college when he was 24. Despite initial resistance from a family that wasn't artistically inclined, Hafiz's passion for dance grew after discovering musical theatre and the concept of being a triple threat. Transitioning from filmmaking to performing, he pursued the Laselle Musical Theatre program with unwavering support from his parents, who attended his shows and proved to be his pillars of strength.
He mentions, "Musical theatre has this concept of being a triple threat, where you need to sing, dance, and act. I never thought I would be able to delve into a genre where you would need all three skills."
Expanding Horizons:
Credit: TET Photography , shared by Hafiz
Having gained valuable experience working in productions like the LKY musical, sharing the stage with renowned artists like Kit Chan and Adrian Pang, Hafiz now aspires to train with more theater dancers.
Hafiz shares his aspirations, saying, "I want to train with more theater dancers, and I want to eventually expand the number of dancers and opportunities." He envisions creating musical theater dramas that heavily incorporate dance, showcasing the richness of the art form.
Hafiz's journey from performing a Malay dance in New York to becoming an advocate for cultural representation is an inspiration to artists and individuals seeking to embrace their heritage. With his unwavering passion and dedication, Hafiz strives to break barriers and expand the horizons of dance, bringing diverse communities together through his artistic expressions. As he continues to evolve as a dancer, Hafiz's contributions to the world of performing arts are bound to make a lasting impact.
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