Sunday, September 14, 2008, 10.59 PM
Yew’s fired up for the stage
AT some point, when he was watching his cousin pirouetting and perfecting her pointe work, Keith Yew fell in love with dance and the arts.
Yew’s parents had sent his brother and him for art classes but, just like in the British hit film Billy Elliot, he was constantly stealing glances at the ballerinas across the community hall where the two lessons were conducted simultaneously.
“I couldn’t tear my eyes off them,” reminisces Yew, who is today an art director. It does sound a little like a scene from the British hit, Billy Elliot.
But strict Chinese traditions and small Seremban hometown values meant Yew was only allowed to pick up “boy activities” such as karate. The closest he got to the performing arts were the piano lessons he took up.
“I was terrible at karate! I’m not the type to punch and kick you know,” says the cheerful Yew, all the while demonstrating dizzying hand motions.
Yew went on to study advertising at One Academy. But the fire in him for dance never died.
“I was lucky enough to be taught by Marion D’Cruz in college. I was inspired by her. It was then that I slowly dabbled in the arts scene,” says Yew.
He described the arts activitist, dancer and choreographer as strict, open and intelligent.
“I was terrified of her but she opened up my mind and eyes and made me appreciate arts,” he recalls with a chuckle.
His big break came when he threw caution to the wind and signed up for a workshop to learn musical theatre dance at DanceSteps Studio, Hartamas.
Having had no dance, singing or acting training at all, Yew stood out like a sore thumb among the amateurs and professionals who auditioned.
“I was the only untrained one and the only guy too. But I stuck to it because I had paid a lot of money,” says Yew, laughing.
Not wanting to lose the RM450 course fee, Yew persevered and won himself a scholarship at DanceSteps Studio.
There was only one condition: Yew had to take up ballet.
“I finally got to learn ballet. I felt like this is where I really belong,” the 30-year-old tells of his first ballet lesson.
Since then, the opportunities for dance and musical performances are rolling nonstop to his door.
Yew will make his debut performance in the upcoming musical cabaret, Broadway Parodies Lagi Lah!.
Directed by Joe Hasham and produced by Datuk Faridah Merican, Broadway Parodies will bring the best of the Malaysian talents under one roof.
The musical is a Malaysian-ised spoof on popular songs and dance numbers.
“I’m very excited about this. I can’t believe that I get to work with people like Janet Lee and Mia Palencia,” says an eager Yew.
Despite the heady prospects, Yew is not keen to leave his full-time job.
“I have my family to support. I really admire those who can venture into the performing arts full time. At the moment, it’s only a hobby for me.
“But I hope that someday I could try my hand as choreographer and director.
“That would be coming full circle for me then.”
• Broadway Parodies Lagi Lah will be staged at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre from Sept 18-28. Shows: 8.30pm (Sun, 3pm). No shows on Monday. Tickets: RM60/RM40/RM20 (students). Call 03-40479000/20941400.
