The Grace of a Ballerina
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The Grace of a Ballerina : Chua Biru
I first met Biru at New Creation Church. She left an impression on me because she pursued what she loved - ballet, she stood away from the norms and didn’t allow the world’s demands to affect her.
Biru started her journey of ballet at the age of 7, with the encouragement from her mother, who had also practised ballet to a high level.
Later in life, she had great performing opportunities with her ballet school (Singapore Ballet Academy [SBA] and my academic school (SCGS). Being able to train at these places, training full-time at the propelled her in New Zealand School of Dance.
Another event that helped Biru to shape her journey of becoming a professional dancer was an exchange programme, which allowed her to perform with The Washington Ballet at the age of 14.
As she exclaims, “It’s an eye-opening experience being able to perform alongside the company members.”
It’s not easy being a ballerina...
”I started when i was 7, this is my 19th pointe shoes this year (2022).”
Imagine training everyday, being at practice from 8 am, starting your day with ballet classes, amending your pointe shoes, catching a short break and continuing with more ballet classes until 5pm. That’s only in one day. And this intensity varies according to how close it is to performance day for biru.
It amazes me how Biru devotes her whole life into an art form that brings her joy. She knows the reason and who this gift is from. She’s living a life larger than performing for her own accolades.
While documenting her, I witnessed how much she had to sacrifice for her passion.
So similar to fighters i had the honour to document in Evolve MMA.
There were tears, sweat, injuries and the need to maintain their body condition at their prime in order to perform well.
She is an athlete who trained her whole life for these significant moments on stage.
Everyone sees the glamour, but there’s so much more that happens before the curtains are drawn to the wings. And this photo essay hopes to show the hard work and heart behind each time biru dances.
Thank you Biru, for allowing me share your Grace story!
Biru on stage before her performance at Fort Canning for Ballet Under the Stars, 2022.
The history of ballet:
Ballet was invented even before 1669, originally an italian word “Balleto”, which translates to “little dance” in english.
Interestingly, Royal officials used to participate in dance at royal events, using body gestures similar to what they would use in a royal court. These elements of grace and gentlemanliness are still seen in ballet pieces today.
What started as a social gathering became an artistic performance when King Louis XIV pioneered his ballet piece “ballet de la nuit” or “ballet of the night”, starring him as the sun king in the midst of a dark time in french history. He even appointed ballet masters, playwrights and musicians.
King Louis made ballet a beautiful storytelling art form of body gestures in motion. I wouldn’t be surprised if musicals and films were inspired by one of the oldest art form (ballet) in the world.
Ballet Costumes from Singapore Ballet.
Singapore ballet:
While documenting Biru at her ballet class in Singapore Ballet and later at Fort Canning Park for “Ballet under the Stars” - I remembered the first “Ballet under the Star” i saw when i was still a theatre student years ago, it left an impression of wonder and attracted me to the next few shows.
Since 1987, Singapore Ballet (formerly known as Singapore Dance Theatre) has been impacting generations of Singaporeans, gathering people of all races and differences to Dance performances. Renamed in 2021 due to its prestigious regional recognition and its new vision for Ballet Singapore, see it here - About: Singapore Ballet.
Although once a colonial country, the arts has made their mark in this tiny nation, increasingly so with companies such as Singapore Ballet.
Biru preparing for her technical rehearsals.
Star Balm.
It is also important for her to prepare her body, to prevent any injuries. It’s more intense than we can ever imagine.
Sewing pointe shoes is an essential part of a ballerina’s practice - it helps with support and comfort to the ballerina, especially for long and intensive performances.
Markings on the floor help ballerinas to be in the position of the featured lighting.
Behind the Scenes of Wardrobe Change - it’s a race against time.
Biru is always seen with a smile. Like a joy from within, no matter the situation.
In her words, this is a verse she holds on to,
“And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you,
“And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you,
“For My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
“Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities,”
“Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities,”
“that the power of Christ may rest upon me - II Corinthians 12:9 NKJV”
Biru is getting ready for her cue to the Ballet under the stars
The end of the first piece
Backstage, where every magic is concealed.
Biru ends her day in Singapore Ballet, Bugis +
This concludes my journey of storytelling in Singapore.
Story told in New Zealand - the oasis where Biru’s journey begins.
Thank you for reading
His Grace Story.
(Over Chua Biru, It’s been a pleasure)
Here’s to a combination of art, history and His story. #Artistinhistory.
All of which interests me and brings joy to my heart.
Psalm 16:11 “You will make known to me the way of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy”
Finally, I hope this inspired you to dream bigger than yourself.
Special thanks to
Christ Jesus
Chua Biru
Singapore Ballet
Emmanuel Tan
Victory
Kenneth Tay