It may be hard to believe that homegrown dancer and choreographer Syazwan Rahmad is a shy person judging from the confidence and charisma he exudes from videos and photos on his Instagram. But as he puts it, that precisely exemplifies the transformative power of dance.
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Specifically for Syazwan, Jazz Funk and Girl Style are two dance forms that have helped him to come out of his shell. For starters, the former is a more dynamic derivative of jazz dance that gained exploded among the MTV generation with performers like Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson, while the latter is a more feminine and sexier iteration of hip hop.
Syazwan started out dancing purely as a hobby turned his passion into a career after being scouted for job opportunities due to his innate confidence and talent.
With 17 years of dance experience under his belt, his resume today includes holding champion titles in competitions like Suria's Dansamania Dance Competition in 2018 and Super24 in 2015 and being part of dance ensembles for local productions such as I Am Kumar Show and Beauty World.
He's also been part of dance performances representing Singapore at the World Expo in cities like Shanghai and Seoul and has been the creative mind behind the choreographies for +65 stars like Rriley, Matilde G and Hana Rosli.
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Of late, he has been dipping his toes into hosting dance courses and teaching private classes for those eager to learn the ropes. And, did we mention that Syazwan is also a part of dance crews, Gentlemen's Latte and Ekta Singapura?
Tell us about yourself.
“My name is Syazwan Rahmad and dance has always been my passion.”
How would you describe Jazz Funk and Girl Style dance to the man on the street?
“Jazz Funk is a blend of jazz and funk dance style. It became popular in the '80s with MTV stars like Janet Jackson and Paula Abdul. Girl style is a genre of dance that captures the essence of femininity, camp, sexiness and masculinity through its energy and movements.”
What are some signature moves specific to these genres that make them unique?
“Among the trademark of Jazz Funk are the jazz hand movements – though I also like to mix my interpretation of the dance forms with some Afro-inspired movements. You'll also see a lot of hands on the lower back, two hands on the head or chest, and the sexily arched backs in routines."
How do you add your own spin to Girl Style and Jazz Funk?
“I love to add character, sexiness and mash up a few different genres into the dance to be different. 'Smizing' or 'smiling with the eyes' is another way I convey the mood in my performances. I really focus on character and emotions more than the choreography when I dance because without them, your performance is nothing and it's bland."
What got you interested in these genres?
“These styles allows me to be myself – and even allow me to access my alter ego.”
Who inspires your work?
“Zacc Milne, Parris Goebel, Brian Friedman, Kristen Dodgen and many more.”
Why are these genres of dance empowering to you?
“Ultimately, I love being sexy and confident. These dance styles are really about that and I enjoy mixing feminine and masculine energies together for my routines too.”
Dance is a niche career choice in Singapore. What kept you going into pursuing this passion for dance into a career?
“In the beginning, I didn't expect that it would be a career choice. Over time, I've received a lot of gigs in Singapore and overseas with requests to direct and choreograph. I guess it is my calling and blessing.”
In the span of your career, what’s been your favourite project to work on?
“Working with Rriley. I've choreographed four music videos for her and each one has really brought out the best of me. She really pushes me to the very end. Through these experiences together, I've learnt a lot from her and myself too.”
Who are your favourite singers that get you on your feet?
“Ariana Grande, Doja Cat and Janet Jackson.”
What would be the dream achievement you'd like to pursue in your career?
“Either to be directing Singapore's biggest show or choreographing and being on tour with an internationally-acclaimed singer.”
What advice would you give to aspiring fellow dancers?
“Never stop at what you believe in, no matter if the result is big or small. Dreams are real – so keep going and be open-minded about your own decisions. Ultimately, be humble.”