Don’t Let Anyone Dim Your Light.

Don’t Let Anyone Dim Your Light. After becoming a certified ballet teacher, I had to step away from dancing to focus on my studies. Although I continued teaching, those years of education and inconsistent training took a toll on me. When I finally returned to dancing, it felt like starting from square one. I had lost my stamina, strength, and flexibility, and it was devastating to realize how much I had fallen behind.

The dance standards in Ipoh were very different from those in Kuala Lumpur, making it even harder for me to catch up with the younger dancers. I vividly remember attending a course where the coach told me—right in front of everyone—that dance could only ever be a hobby for me. Those words stung, but I refused to let them extinguish my passion. Some coaches were visibly frustrated with me, and even my classmates were disappointed in my progress.

But I didn’t let that stop me. I practiced relentlessly, self-taught many techniques, and worked harder than ever. One day, at an event hosted by one of my coaches, he approached me and acknowledged the passion in my dancing. He told me he could see that I danced purely out of love. Another time, a ballet coach noticed my improvement and took the time to praise my progress. Those moments meant the world to me.

For those who doubted me, criticized me, and said discouraging things—I appreciate you too. Your words ignited a fire in me to push myself even further.

As I write this, I feel incredibly thankful and blessed. Life has a way of challenging us, but it also rewards those who refuse to give up. So, to anyone facing setbacks—keep going. Don’t let anyone dim your light.