Madam Lim Moi Kim is revered in the dance community for her 50 years of contributions, championing classical Chinese dance for performances in local and international productions. She is the founding Artistic Director of the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Dance Troupe and Singapore Chinese Dance Theatre (SCDT), where she continues to actively serve as Artistic Advisor. During her time as Artistic Director, Madam Lim has spearheaded impressive productions that put Chinese dance at the forefront with SCDT, bringing the artform and company to a new level of artistry and professionalism. As an educator, Madam Lim nurtured generations of dancers, from teaching at community centres, and eventually in various local institutions such as LASALLE College of the Arts and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts.

With your extensive experience, what do you focus on in your teaching?

I focus extensively on Chinese classical dance training and technique in my teaching, from grasping the basic techniques, to fostering good posture and graceful lines. Once these foundations become second nature to my students, I move on to emphasise the “real-ness” of their performance and importance of delivering from the heart. This is much harder to achieve, but it is my ultimate focus because dance is an expression and a conversation. It is genuine, sincere, and relates to you and me.

What is it like to teach dance?

Teaching dance is a complex, arduous, interesting, and highly challenging task. At the same time, it is also an enriching, exciting and immensely rewarding job. Choreographing and teaching has been my lifelong calling. Despite it being demanding and exhausting at times, my passion has never once been extinguished, nor have I ever considered giving up this career. It sets me on a continuous journey of perfection and improvement in my craft, for my students and myself. My greatest fulfilment comes from watching each choreography come to fruition with the enhanced details and precision, delivered by passionate students who push themselves through the challenges.

What do you find most rewarding about your work?

Everything.

What are your hopes for every batch of students you encounter?

When I impart my knowledge to my students, it’s like I’m sharing a part of myself.  My love and passion for dance are what make me, me. Although I cannot accompany my students through the entire journey of growth and learning, I hope that my teachings during our time together will inspire them to better appreciate and love Chinese dance. I hope they will also be able to find their callings in life, be bold in chasing their dreams and create a positive impact that makes our home a better place.

Experience the artistry of the dancers from Singapore Chinese Dance Theatre in A Symphony of Life, at the Singtel Waterfront Theatre, 6 – 7 Sep 2024.