You’ve probably seen his name around as the dancer behind amazing choreography alongside big names here in Malaysia!
We snagged a golden opportunity with one of the sassiest dancers we’ve ever seen! Having seen him dance at our Sevenpie Gathering, we needed to have him back for a Featured Interview because his talent is just unforgettable!
Dancing since he was only 11, this talented dancer has made a name for himself here in Malaysia, and he is only going up from here. Ezra Tham is the name, and he is definitely a force to be reckoned with!
The local dance scene here in Malaysia needs more recognition, and here we are doing just that. Here is our Featured Interview with Ezra Tham!
1. Hello Ezra, it is so great to finally meet you! You performed at our Sevenpie Gathering just a few months ago and amazing would be an understatement! You were phenomenal! Could you tell our readers a little about yourself?
Hey, it’s so great to meet you too! Thank you so much, you’re too kind. So, my name is Ezra, I’m 23 this year and I am a choreographer, dancer, and instructor. I’ve worked with the likes of Zamaera, DOLLA, Elizabeth Tan, and more.
2. What do you call the dance that you do?
View this post on Instagram
I take inspiration and learn from a lot of different dance foundations and bases – such as Afrobeats, Hip Hop, Street Jazz, Dancehall, Waacking and the list goes on. Personally, I love doing choreography and creating choreography, of different vibes, different styles. And this choreography is what I call Sass! Sass is a term for having attitude, and that’s what my choreography is all about – attitude.
3. When did you start dancing? How did you learn to dance?
I started dancing when I was around 11 years old. It was about the time that KPOP started to globalize, and I just got into it. I learned the KPOP dances by myself and made videos. At around 13, I started going for proper streetdance classes and I knew that dancing was definitely what I wanted to do and continue to do.
4. You have been dancing for a while now, and as seen on your Instagram you have collaborated with a few dancers yourself, what is it like in the local dance scene here in Malaysia? Is everyone supportive or competitive?
The local dance scene is growing to put into a word. I’ve been very fortunate to cross paths with so many amazing movers and inspiring individuals in the dance scene. I would say there’s a fair balance between the competitiveness and support. I believe all of us need to support each other to constantly grow, but at the same time challenge each other to break our limits.
5. Who are some dancers that you look up to?
I look up to so many people, and it’s not just recognized dancers – the individuals I move with on a daily inspire me so much. If I had to give some names, locally there’s Maybelline Wong, Dylan Chyo, Lingzy, Faris Azim, I could keep going. Internationally – I look up to Sienna Lalau, Kensho Murakami, Kyle Hanagami, Rian, Parris Goebel, of course.
6. What was the hardest part about dancing?
View this post on Instagram
Hardest part about dancing is – I believe, being in control mentally and emotionally. Eventhough dance is seen as a physical art, there’s so much more than just movement. Me personally, I hit a lot of bumps and blocks, in terms of my choreography or just plain dancing. And it’s always in my head, and I believe overcoming that is really one of the hardest parts, but when I do, I know I’ve grown.
7. What type of music usually accompanies your dances?
A: Any type of music, really. KPOP, Reggae, EDM, Basshall, Pop, Hip hop, the list goes on.
8. Where are some places that you have performed at?
The list is long, but I think my biggest performances include performing at The Culture 2019 with Zamaera. Oh, and I was picked to be one of the performers for this small little segment in the Royal Family Dance Crew Tour in Malaysia in 2018. The honor of performing on the same stage as RF, that’s crazy. And performing for such a big audience as well, I’ll never forget it.
9. Was your friends and family supportive of your passion and future in dance?
I’m very fortunate to have a pair of loving and supportive parents who have always been with me on my journey since the start. They definitely are my biggest supporters. And also to be surrounded by all my passionate, supportive circle of friends. Honestly, I wouldn’t be where I am without them.
10. Are there any dancers you would love to collaborate with in the future?
There is no specific list, but I always love dancing and collaborating with other people. No matter who they are, it’s always so much fun to connect with others.
11. For those thinking of starting a career and future in dance, what would you say to them?
I would say go for it, and chase your passion – but it will not be easy. Being in the art field isn’t the same as other careers, it’s not linear , it’s not consistent. We constantly have to be on top of our game, and challenge ourselves to grow, and this will never stop. In dance, especially locally, it’s a challenge for sure. My advice? Make connections, grow, learn as much as you can, but never be satisfied. Know your worth, and know what you can fix. And always – I believe if we give support and love, we’ll get it back.
