Friday November 11, 2005
Moving on to fulfil his passion
By NG WEI LOON
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Shawn … 'It is a refreshing change' |
The SMK USJ4 student has bagged the Best Child Actor award at the 18th Malaysian Film Festival for his role as a budding footballer in Ah Lok Cafe.
In the movie, he assumes the role of “Fatt Chye,” who is selected to join the Liverpool Football Club junior training camp. He shows his soft side by giving away the funds (that were raised for him to realise his football dream) to “Ai Ling,” who had to undergo a rare heart disease treatment.
“The most dramatic part was to deliver a speech in front of a crowd,'' said Shawn. “It was a nerve-wrecking experience.”
In real life, football isn't his calling. He prefers hip-hop dancing.
Shawn took up the dance when he was in Year 3. He gave it up a year later, frustrated that he could not perform the moves.
But, after watching a group of breakdancers perform at the FGA church in Subang Jaya seven months ago, his desire for hip-hop surfaced again.
In the first two months, he picked up the moves by watching video clips from the Internet. He joined the Urban Groove dance studio when his father stumbled upon it in the newspapers.
“I will support and encourage him in his passion,'' said Lee. “It is an opportunity for him to learn something new about the hip youth culture. It is also a great way for him to build his personal character.
“I am impressed by the changes in his physical development and attitude. In the past, he was quite a weakling,'' said Lee. “But, he has developed muscles since he took up dancing. He is more matured and disciplined now.”
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Left and above: Groovy moves from the young and passionate dancer. |
“Dancing is a great way to occupy my time,'' said Shawn. “It is a refreshing change from playing online computer games.''
Shawn has performed in public twice. He was part of the Urban Groove crew that took part in the Nestle Top Choc ice cream road show at Jaya Jusco in 1 Utama shopping centre. He has also performed at his church with Sidewayz crew.
“It is a great feeling when people admire the groovy moves,'' said Shawn. “I love prancing around to the music beats remixed by the deejay. Dancing gives me the freedom to express myself.” he said, adding that he was working on the “windmill” moves.
“In the first month of learning the moves, I sus-tained bruises on my left shoulder and pelvic area. It is common for a 'newbie', said Shawn. “I take it as a personal challenge to try out difficult moves.''
Urban Groove Sunway chief instructor Tan Chong Min praised Shawn as a quick leaner.
“He has potential because he possesses good body memory and has a light body structure. He can follow the rhythm of music without any guidance,'' he said.
Despite his agile flexibility, Shawn has to improve on his body strength. He undergoes power training, such as abdominal tensioning, back tensioning and planche to strengthen his core muscles (abdominal and back). He has to do five sets of 30 to 60 seconds each in all three exercises.
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