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Everyone has a passion they want to pursue. For most, it’s a hobby — a way to unwind, express creativity, or simply enjoy life.
But for Loh Sze Hwei, her love for dance became more than just a pastime – it eventually became her career and her life as well.
What began as a childhood admiration for the dazzling performers on stage turned into a reality for Sze Hwei, though it wasn’t without its share of challenges.
Getting a spark from K-pop
Like many young girls, Sze Hwei was captivated by K-pop groups like Girls’ Generation during her primary school years.
The performers’ confidence, precision, and ability to express themselves through dance left her in awe.
She remembers watching them, totally captivated, as they turned their passion into motion, their bodies speaking a language she could feel but not yet understand.
“I couldn’t imagine how their team choreographed such stunning routines for them to execute so flawlessly on stage.” she recalled.
Back then, dancing was something she admired from afar as becoming a professional dancer was merely a thought.
I definitely think of becoming a dancer before, but it felt so ridiculous at the time – like there was no way this could happen. I mean, I was a straight-A and honor student in elementary school, and stereotype expected me to settle into a normal, decent job one day.”
“I grew up believing a stable 9-to-5 job was the ultimate goal. In all my school assignments about ambitions, I wrote that I wanted to become a doctor. “
Sze Hwei recalled performing a few times during primary and secondary school. While she doesn’t remember much about those early experiences, she’s always retained a special connection to the stage.”
“One thing I know for certain is how much I love expressing myself on stage,” she added.
The turning point came during her university years, where she found the right community immersed in the vibrant world of K-pop and her love for dance taking root much deeper.
“I joined my university’s dance club, where I began training seriously for the first time.
I had no prior experience, but I fell in love with dancing. I found myself constantly thinking about how to improve,” she said.
At first, Sze Hwei struggled like every beginner, fighting to grasp the fundamentals. But her obsession drove her to pour endless hours into practice, determined to break through to the next level.
I once trained for ten straight hours in the studio,” she recalls with a laugh. “But time flies when you’re surrounded by friends—sweating, improving, and pushing each other forward.”
Taking the leap
University life didn’t just offer performance opportunities; it also introduced Sze Hwei to the world of teaching others how to dance.
“I started coaching at my university’s dance club since year 2 in university and an external studio. It became a side hustle.
“After graduating in 2020, I took a corporate job in a marketing department but continued dancing competitively and creating dance videos with friends. However, I soon realised that I craved for a more flexible schedule,” she said.
Sze Hwei shared that her decision to transition to full-time dancing didn’t come in a single defining moment.
Rather, it emerged gradually during her time working a corporate office job.
I couldn’t stand the rigid schedule,” she admitted. “I kept yearning for more control over my time—to do something that truly ignited my passion.”
Eventually, a door was opened to her in the form of being introduced to dance shows by industry veterans, marking the beginning of her journey as a full-time dancer.
“It was a bold move to quit my job after just 3 months, especially coming from a traditional background, but I knew I had to take the leap.”
Building her dance career
Since committing to dance full-time, Sze Hwei has steadily elevated her career to remarkable heights.
Her competitive record speaks volumes—five consecutive K-pop dance championship titles and other first-place wins in other competitions, among them are top honors at the Citta K-street KDCC Grand Finals and K-Eclipse KDCC.
Beyond competitions, Sze Hwei’s artistry has taken her to television studios and concert venues, performing alongside established artists like Priscilla Abby, 3P, and Harlem Yu.
Her choreography credits now include commercial work for major brands like Haier air conditioners and Diamond N Platinum.
She now sustains herself entirely through dance—enjoying flexible hours that adapt to performance schedules while earning income through her passion.
However, for this industry, work isn’t always consistent. Certain months, like December, are slow. Even during peak periods like Chinese New Year and Ramadan, bookings are never guaranteed.
Income varies dramatically between peak and slow periods,” Sze Hwei explains.
On average, she earns between RM3,000 to RM6,000 monthly through 8-10 performance gigs. Yet for Sze Hwei, the rewards transcend financial figures.
I am happy with my achievements,” she reflects, “but what truly moves me is the gratitude I feel—for every mentor who guided me, every collaborator who believed in me, and every opportunity that pushed me to grow.”
Winning her family over
Like many pursuing unconventional careers, Sze Hwei faced initial resistance from her family.
“My parents were worried about financial stability. Dance gigs are paid per show, not through a fixed income. It was a topic that was brought up often at home.
We never fought about it, but they always brought it up whenever they could,” she recounted.
Over time, Sze Hwei’s family began to shift their perspective after witnessing her dedication, meeting her mentors, and learning about successful dance industry veterans, which helped ease their concerns.
They saw how others had built sustainable careers in dance. It gave them some reassurance. Parents will always worry, but now they support me in pursuing what makes me happy,” she said with a smile.
‘Follow your heart’
When asked how she hopes to encourage aspiring dancers, Sze Hwei’s advice is simple yet powerful:
“Follow your heart. If you truly love dance and don’t want it to remain just a hobby, go for it. The only way to know if it’s right for you is to try. It’s better than living with regrets.
Challenges will come, but passion and persistence will push you forward. Learn from experienced dancers, stay humble, and keep an open mind. A positive attitude and a willingness to improve will take you far.”
Reflecting on her younger self, Sze Hwei added: “Don’t overthink or doubt yourself. Some things are out of your control, so focus on what you can do and keep pushing your limits. The rest will fall into place.”
For Sze Hwei, success isn’t just about making a living—it’s about making a life out of what she loves. With every step, turn, and leap, she continues to prove that dreams, no matter how unconventional, are worth chasing.
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