Growing up, I often struggled with self-doubt, feeling like I didn’t belong. I was always trying to meet other people’s expectations, but never really discovering who I was. Choreography gave me the chance to express myself honestly through movement. It allowed me to tell stories without words—something I’ve always loved doing. From a young age, I had a vivid imagination. I used to visualize entire football games in my head during flights—every detail, every moment. Now, when I choreograph, I still do the same thing. I picture the entire production in my mind, running through it repeatedly, and when I’m creating, I get lost in that world.
“I never really enjoyed performing. It was choreography that brought me joy.”
To be honest, I was never a great dancer. The stage always felt like a place where I was consumed by fear and anxiety. Performing never gave me the joy I was looking for. It was actually in the rehearsal studio, where I could focus on creating and telling stories, that I found true satisfaction. Eventually, I realized that choreography was my calling, and I left the stage behind to focus on the art form that truly brought me peace.
“Choreography allows me to tell stories that connect with the audience.”
As Director of Ballet Nights, my mission is to make ballet exciting, accessible, and relevant to modern audiences. I believe that ballet should not just be about technical perfection, but about creating an emotional connection with the audience. When dancers immerse themselves in a narrative, that’s when the performance comes to life. Ballet Nights blends classic elements with bold, modern pieces to engage both seasoned ballet lovers and newcomers alike. It’s an experience that bridges the past and the present, and I hope it inspires audiences to see ballet in a new light.
“Bringing Ballet Nights to Malaysia is a chance to build something lasting.”
What excites me most about bringing Ballet Nights to Malaysia is the opportunity to not only share an incredible performance but to create a long-term presence for dance here. There’s so much untapped potential in Malaysia’s dance community, and I want to help nurture that talent. Right now, many talented dancers from Malaysia go abroad to gain professional experience, but my goal is to provide opportunities here. Through Ballet Nights and other projects, I hope to create a platform for local dancers, bringing international talent and expertise to Malaysia, and building a stronger dance community in the country.
“My work is about making ballet more relatable and accessible for everyone.”
For me, choreography is about telling stories that anyone can connect with, regardless of their background or experience with dance. Ballet has a unique power to evoke emotion and transport people to different worlds, and I hope my work helps people appreciate the beauty and depth of this art form. Ultimately, I want to show that ballet isn’t just for a select few—it’s for everyone.
Ross Freddie Ray is the Ballet Nights Director of International Development- travelling around the world promoting and setting up the performances of Ballet Nights.
Get your tickets for Ballet Nights in Malaysia now!
https://www.balletnights.com/malaysia
– Humans of Kuala Lumpur
