Latin dance, which originated from Latin America, is characterised by its vibrant, rhythmic movements and expressive flair. While it’s famous in Europe, this art of dancing isn’t widely known in Malaysia.
However, there’s a 19-year-old lass who’s making a name for herself in the Latin dance world and was recently crowned the Solo Latin Dance Champion in the UK.
Her name’s Reegyn Geoi and this is her story.
Been dancing from a young age
Growing up in Klang, Reegyn honed her skills in balancing her academic pursuits at Sunway University with her unwavering passion for dancing. Despite constantly training and participating in dance competitions, Reegyn did not neglect her studies and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems.
Thanks to this early start, she was able to lay a solid foundation for her future accomplishments in various dance forms.
I have balanced my academic studies alongside my passion for dance, and currently, I am also working as a dance instructor.
Besides Latin dance, she also has a strong background in ballet, which she started when she was just 3-years-old and completed her RAD Advance Foundation in ballet with flying colours. On top of that, she also revealed herself to be a fan of K-pop dance.
I had competed in several K-pop dance competitions and had performed K-pop dance covers as well. My diverse dance training has allowed me to develop a versatile skill set.
“This versatility has been instrumental in shaping my dance career, allowing me to excel in multiple dance styles,” she said.
Backed by a supportive family
But why Latin dance? What drew Reegyn to this particular dance style? According to her, she explained that she has long been fascinated by its energy, rhythm, and expressive movements.
And when she kickstarted her Latin dance at the age of 9, it quickly became a significant part of her life and she has never looked back since.
Throughout Reegyn’s journey, she has been strongly supported by her family, friends, and dance coaches, who continually encouraged her to pursue her passion. Her family has been incredibly supportive by making it a point to attend her competitions and cheer her on every step of the way.
Over the years, Reegyn has mastered various Latin dance styles, including the Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Jive, and Paso Doble. Each style has presented new challenges and joys, enriching her dance experience and fueling her love for Latin dance.
Nothing comes easy
Despite her successes, Reegyn’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges, too. Her biggest setback occurred when she suffered a wrist injury two years ago, forcing her to take a break from dancing.
During that period where I had to focus on my recovery, I constantly feared that I might not return to my previous form.
“However, this experience taught me resilience and the importance of taking care of my body. With the unwavering support of my family and therapists, I managed to mount a strong comeback. This injury only strengthened my resolve and commitment to my passion for dancing,” she said.
When asked if Latin dance is hard, Reegyn said that it’s both physically and mentally challenging as it requires not only technical skills and stamina but also the ability to express emotions and connect with the audience.
“The rigorous training, constant practice, and competition preparation can be demanding. Yet, the joy and fulfillment I get from dancing makes it all worthwhile.
“My dedication to mastering the art of Latin dance is evident in my achievements and the joy I find in every performance.”
Reegyn’s latest competition took place at the Blackpool Tower in the UK, an experience she dubbed as “unforgettable”.
And it was indeed unforgettable for her as she later went on to win the Open World Amateur Latin Solo Champion title, making it the highlight of her dance career thus far.
“The competition was fierce, with talented dancers from around the world. I dedicated months to prepare my routine, focusing on perfecting every move and expression.
“The atmosphere at Blackpool was fascinating, and performing at such a prestigious venue was an honor. Of course, securing second place in the Amateur 3 Dances Couple event was equally rewarding too,” she quipped.
For Reegyn, winning the Open World Amateur Latin Solo Champion title was “a dream come true” and a testament to the hard work and dedication she had put in.
Competing internationally has also broadened my horizons, allowing me to learn from other dancers and experience different styles and techniques.
“I will continue to work hard and strive for even greater achievements,” she added.
Not the end of her story yet
Looking ahead, Reegyn says she wants to continue to excel in her dancing career by aiming to compete in more international competitions and win more titles.
She also hopes to inspire and mentor young dancers, sharing her passion and knowledge with the next generation.
Reegyn’s journey from a young dancer to a champion is a story of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. It serves as an inspiration to many aspiring dancers and a testament to what can be achieved with dedication and support.
Watch one of her performances here:
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