Recent NAFA Graduates Share Their Journeys As Aspiring Creatives

DENISE LEONG, 21, DIPLOMA IN DANCE

Her practice in her own words: “My dance practice encompasses regular technique classes such as classical ballet and contemporary dance that focus on fundamental movements and principles of specific dance styles. We also have to do strength training on the side that supports overall fitness. On top of that, we have rehearsals that prepare us for upcoming performances and shows.”

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Introduce your final-year project: “My final year performance was for (her school’s annual dance production) Crossings 2024. I was in a piece called Beauty Forms By Fragments choreographed by (the world-acclaimed dancer) Nguyen Ngoc Anh. It was a classical piece performed en pointe and incorporated Vietnamese elements.”

What she loves most about her discipline: “I love that dance requires discipline and consistency. As long as I show up, I know that I will constantly improve.”

Why pursue the arts? “I always knew from a young age that I wanted to pursue dance as a career. My dance teacher inspired me a lot and their love and guidance gave me the courage to pursue this path.” 

How she balances school, life and her practice: “I think by prioritising oneself and one’s needs. I try to put myself first and give myself rest days. This means turning down opportunities such as part-time work on the weekends during the school term even though it would allow me to earn some extra pocket money.”

How she de-stresses: “Self care, listening to music and journaling.”

What she does in her free time: “Recently, I’ve been staying at home and simply practising self care.”

What she hopes to do after graduation: “I hope to gain experience in a professional dance company overseas before returning to Singapore to teach.”

Biggest challenge about being a young creative today: “Being able to think out of the box and to break free from traditions. Trying something new might seem scary, but it is essential for developing new and unique ideas.”

MUHAMMAD SYUKRI BIN KAMSANI, 22, DIPLOMA IN SCREEN MEDIA

His practice in his own words: “I draw inspiration from personal experiences and collaborate closely with others to bring stories to life. Continuous learning and exploration drive me to constantly evolve and improve as a filmmaker.”

Introduce your final-year project: “Inspirasi is a heartfelt drama. It explores the blending of past and present, creating an experience that’s meant to mirror the complexity of our own memories. Stuck in the shadows of his memories, the protagonist Rian confronts his past, leading him onto a path to discover peace and the meaning of life… Creating a film themed around the pursuit of peace amidst the complexities of life today was a deeply introspective journey. I tend to think deeply and reflectively, often finding solace in the face of constant demand for creative output through such moments of contemplation.”

What he loves most about his discipline: “The greatest thing about cinema is its ability to tell captivating stories using both sound and image and genuinely touch viewers during that process. And it is exciting and rewarding to work together with talented individuals to achieve a common goal.”

READ MORE: A New Wave Of Singapore Filmmakers Making Their Marks On The World Stage

Why pursue the arts? “The challenges associated with pursuing a career in the arts here have only fuelled my determination to do so and succeed. I believe that the obstacles we face in fact drive creativity and innovation, pushing us to think outside the box. And I am inspired by the idea of being able to represent local narratives and voices on a global stage. There is so much talent and so many untold stories within our community that deserve to be highlighted.”

How he balances school, life and his practice: “Setting priorities and using my time well are essential. And I make sure to pause for self-care, set clear goals and ask for guidance when necessary.”

How he de-stresses: “Skating with my crew is my go-to stress relief. There’s nothing like the rush of cruising around and laughing around with friends. It’s my escape from school and the creative grind, helping me to recharge and come back stronger.”

What he does in his free time: “You can usually find me hanging out with my friends, hitting the street to skate, and just chilling. Whether we’re filming, skateboarding or just goofing around, it’s all about good vibes and good times. 

READ MORE: Joy Song: A Singapore Filmmaker Serving Up Haunting Images And Narratives

What he hopes to achieve after graduation: “My goal is to build a strong portfolio, collaborate with talented individuals in the industry and contribute to the vibrant arts scene in Singapore. Ultimately, I aspire to make films that not only entertain, but also provoke thought and inspire change. And God willing, I will start a creative agency with my friends. It will be called 3P and our vision is to merge various forms of artistic expression including media art, installation, music and more into a unified platform. We envision 3P as a safe and inclusive creative space where artists and creatives can collaborate, innovate, and showcase their talents.”

Biggest challenge about being a young creative today: “Finding a unique voice in an ever-evolving art world… We often draw inspiration from existing works, but how do we turn those influences into something fresh and original? It’s also exciting, but tough to try stand out while staying true to oneself in such a fast-paced industry.”

Biggest challenge about being a young creative today: “Finding the courage to be a creative in the first place – and imposter syndrome”

PHOTOGRAPHY ATHIRAH ANNISSA ART DIRECTION PANG JIA WEI HAIR & MAKEUP BENEDICT CHOO

A version of this article first appeared in the July 2024 Overachievers Edition of FEMALE