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Beneath the grand chandeliers of the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom in England, some of the world’s finest ballroom dancers gathered to compete on one of the sport’s most revered stages. For Malaysia’s Ng Xin Ying, 18, the moment her name was announced as champion in the Open Worlds Amateur Solo Ballroom event felt almost impossible to comprehend.
“It felt unreal for a moment. I thought about the long hours of training, the sacrifices and everyone who supported me along the way,” she told theSun.
The victory marked a major milestone for the World Dance Academy dancer, who also claimed the Amateur Solo Three Dance Ballroom title while securing runner-up and second-runner-up finishes across several youth categories, proving Malaysian dancers are capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best on ballroom dancing’s most prestigious stage.
For Ng, however, the achievement was never solely about collecting medals. It was the culmination of years of discipline, perseverance and an unwavering passion that began as a childhood hobby.
Finding her rhythm
Ng was just seven years old when she first stepped into a ballroom dance studio.
“I first became involved in ballroom dancing at the age of seven. At the beginning, I learned purely out of interest, but over time, I gradually discovered the sense of achievement and the power of self-expression that dance brings,” she recalled.
As her skills improved, ballroom dancing became more than an extracurricular activity. Every competition and performance strengthened her determination to continue pursuing the sport, eventually setting her sights on the world’s biggest competitions.
Unlike many sports where results are measured by speed or distance, ballroom dancing requires athletes to master both technical precision and artistic expression, a balance that continues to motivate Ng after more than a decade of dancing.
Behind every graceful performance
To audiences, ballroom dancing often appears effortless. Elegant gowns glide across polished dance floors while dancers move in perfect harmony with the music, but behind every polished performance lies a demanding training schedule.
Ng typically spends three to four hours training on her own, three to four days each week, with preparations intensifying before major competitions such as Blackpool.
“The biggest challenge was the pressure of competing against top-level dancers from around the world. Participants from different countries brought exceptional technique, style and stage experience. Maintaining confidence and consistent performance in such a competitive environment was my greatest challenge,” she said.
Training sessions involve repeating the same routines until every step, posture and expression becomes second nature.
“There were moments when I considered quitting, especially during periods of intense pressure, exhaustion and self-doubt. Behind the elegant costumes and performances are countless hours of repetitive training, physical challenges and the commitment to keep improving even when progress feels slow. There are also many sacrifices in time, rest and personal life that people do not always see,” she admitted.
Throughout those difficult moments, Ng credits her parents for giving her the strength to continue.
“They consistently drove me to training sessions, waited for me until late at night and stood by me through every challenge. Their support and encouragement have given me the strength to keep going and continue pursuing my dream,” she said.
Dancing on ballroom’s biggest stage
For dancers around the world, Blackpool represents far more than another international competition.
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom has long been regarded as one of ballroom dancing’s most prestigious venues, hosting generations of champions and becoming synonymous with excellence in the sport.
“The Blackpool Tower is a place that carries the history and dreams of so many of the world’s top dancers, and both its cultural significance and the grandeur of the competition create an almost surreal atmosphere,” she said.
When the final results were announced, months of preparation suddenly came rushing back.
“This victory is a confirmation of the journey, the discipline and the belief I held through every challenge. Personally, it reminds me that consistency and perseverance truly matter, and it motivates me to keep growing as a dancer and an individual,” she said.
Ballroom deserves greater recognition
Despite producing internationally competitive dancers, ballroom dancing remains relatively niche in Malaysia compared with sports such as badminton, diving and squash.
Ng believes it is gradually changing, but more support is needed.
“I believe ballroom dancing is gradually gaining more recognition in Malaysia, but there is still room for greater awareness and appreciation of the sport. Many people may view it mainly as a performance art, but behind every performance are years of discipline, physical training and dedication, just like any other competitive sport,” she said.
She hopes greater investment in coaching, facilities and international exposure, alongside government recognition, will allow more Malaysian dancers to compete consistently overseas.
“Government support would also play an important role in recognising ballroom dancing as a competitive sport and providing more resources and development pathways for young dancers.
“With greater support from the community, industry and government, I believe Malaysian dancers have the potential to achieve even greater success globally,” she said.
Recognition from the Malaysia United Dancesport Association, which has submitted the students’ achievements to the Youth and Sports Ministry, marks a positive step towards raising the profile of competitive ballroom dancing in the country.
Looking ahead
Winning at Blackpool has not changed Ng’s ambitions. Instead, it has strengthened her desire to continue improving, gain more international experience and compete at an even higher level while encouraging more young Malaysians to discover ballroom dancing.
“After Blackpool, my goal is to continue improving myself as a dancer while staying true to the passion and love that first brought me into ballroom dancing,” she said.
For those considering taking their first dance lesson, her advice is simple.
“Believe in your passion, stay disciplined through the challenges, and remember that every small step of dedication can bring you closer to your dream.”
Her Blackpool triumph may have earned international recognition, but for Ng, it is only another step in a journey that began with a curious seven-year-old discovering the joy of dance. She hopes her journey will inspire more young Malaysians to take to the ballroom floor and show the world what they can achieve.
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