2021 Interview- The Spirit of a Wahyanite
[Interview：Graduated Wahyanite-Anthony]
Anthony is a full-time tap dance instructor, choreographer, musical performer and yoga teacher. After graduating from Wah Yan College, Hong Kong in 1997, he was engaged to the Musical Theatre Dance Department of the Academy of Performing Arts. During this period, he was awarded a scholarship to study musical theatre in New York, USA.
【Spirit of Wahyanite】
When introducing another Wahyanite graduate actor-Andy Ko, mentioned that four of Admin's classmates were promoted to the Academy of Performing Arts (APA) in the same year, and Admin was fortunate to have been in the same class with three of them. Graduate from Wah Yan is very affectionate, and Anthony is no exception. I still remember that Admin went to APA several times to watch Anthony and other Wah Yanites’s performances (the performances were his homework), and Anthony and another Wah Yan nites had a courtesy exchange and performed one of the musicals "Merrily Roll Along" Record the video and give it to Admin as a souvenir.
【Rely on yourself】
He felt that he was lucky because his family did not stop him from chasing his dream. "Actually, I am very grateful because my family has no objections and I have no financial pressure from my family. I can pursue my dreams without any worries."
To apply for the APA, I have to take the auction twice. At that time, there was no-one to teach me the way, I had to give all my efforts and went to the school auditorium to practice dance alone after class my normal classes. I couldn't talk about the bitterness behind it.
【Step out of your comfort zone】
Anthony, who is handsome and capable, has participated in more than ten musical performances in the past. From 2008 to 2009, he joined Hong Kong Disneyland as a full-time vocalist actor in "High School Musical-Live!" and "Golden Mickey".
However, he chose to leave and turn to independent development. In 2013, he set up his own tap dance studio "SMK Tap Dance Studio" to teach and share the art of tap dance.
Asked why he left the big stage and comfort zone of Disneyland, he laughed and said: "An older generation once said: No performance will not end. I know my own business, and I am getting older and older. If I keep doing it, I'm afraid It will soon become "Old School Musical"! In fact, a more important reason drove him to leave this wonderful working place and that was because he wanted to do TAP DANCE.
【Linkage with tap dancing】
Why do you like tap dancing so much? He said that after he came into contact with tap dancing at APA, he fell in love with this kind of dance deeply. After that, I have been studying and practicing tap dancing. "I have always known that tap dancing is my love, and I have never let it go. Until I leave Disney, I can do what I really want to do-open my own tap dancing studio." Anthony said.
【The process is more important then the result】
Speaking of dreams, Anthony said: "What are dreams? Dreaming and chasing dreams are different. Dream chasing is very real and solid: to be executed, to keep practicing." He believes that life is to have a clear goal and not letting it go. Getting lost, this is because there are too many temptations around, which are easy to distract and forget the original intention. Another reason why the process is greater than the result is that the pursuit of art is endless, so we must continue to work hard and make continuous breakthroughs.
【Think it through】
Like many Wahyanite, Anthony does things because of passion, so he is very resistant to too commercial business method. Adhering to Wahyanite's "fine tradition", he will help students reflect on why they want to learn tap dancing, making them to realise their own direction and not follow the trend.
"What is a dream? Dreaming is different from chasing dreams. Dream chasing is very real: you have to practice, and you have to keep practicing."
If you want to pursue your dreams, you must pay your full efforts. Persevere, practice constantly and enjoy the process of it.
Anthony has seen so many people giving up their passions and dreams. Of course, everyone's has their own path and perspective. After all, it is a matter of personal choice. It is the purpose of life. Ensuring your definition of living as a human.
【Advice for Wahyanite】
Last but not least, Anthony encouraged Wahyanite to bravely pursue his dream. He hopes to share with them what the greatest jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald said: "Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong."
The new generation of Wayanite has more resources than before. Has the path they have to walk already been paved by others (such as family members)? What dreams do they have to pursue? Will they pursue their dreams without hesitation? I hope Anthony's story will make everyone think about these issues.
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