A Year of Growth: Sophia Ong’s Journey as Ballet Nights Young Ambassador Malaysia 2025

Over the past year, Sophia Ong has represented Ballet Nights as our Young Ambassador for Malaysia, embracing every opportunity with dedication, curiosity, and grace. Sophia reflects on the experiences that shaped her journey, what she learned through the programme, and how representing Malaysia on an international platform has influenced her goals for the future.

Reflecting on her year as a Young Ambassador, Sophia describes 2025 as a period filled with firsts and meaningful encounters.

One of her most memorable experiences was participating in her first-ever press conference, hosted by Ballet Nights. Observing the work of PR professionals and members of the media offered her a new perspective on the wider ecosystem that supports the arts, an eye-opening experience that expanded her understanding beyond the studio.

Another highlight was the Ballet Nights Kuala Lumpur event at BSKL, where she had the opportunity to share the stage with Ms. Mara Galeazzi, former Prima Ballerina of The Royal Ballet. Meeting industry figures such as Mr. Jamiel Laurence and connecting with the Ballet Nights team through online meetings further deepened her appreciation for the many journeys that exist within the ballet world. For Sophia, learning from these artists and professionals was both inspiring and motivating.

Sophia would also like to thank the Young Ambassador Programme for supporting her artistic development in ways that extended far beyond performance.

Throughout the year, she participated in one-to-one meetings with members of the Ballet Nights team, gaining valuable insight into the international ballet landscape, from tailoring her CV and preparing for auditions, to understanding production work and career pathways. These conversations helped her see ballet as a multifaceted profession and strengthened her long-term aspirations. Dancing alongside Ballet Nights artists remains a dream she continues to hold close.

She also highlights the profound influence of Ms. Maria Sascha, who supported her growth both as a dancer and as a person. Through guidance in variation coaching and applications for summer intensives, Sophia was encouraged to explore opportunities across the region and abroad. This mentorship played a key role in her successful selection for the Accademia Teatro alla Scala Summer Intensive, where she trained under Ms. Sophie Sarrote, a former La Scala dancer, and connected with talented peers from around the world.

While the year exceeded her expectations, one of the most lasting outcomes has been a renewed desire to contribute to the dance community.

Sophia shares that the experience has inspired her to support and promote more avenues for a thriving dance ecology in Southeast Asia. Ballet, she says, means the world to her and through Ballet Nights, she hopes it can continue to touch the lives of many others.

Among many achievements, Sophia is particularly proud to have been appointed the first Ballet Nights Young Ambassador for Malaysia. Being recognised in this role strengthened her passion for ballet and gave her a platform to share her love of the art form with younger dancers.

Academically and competitively, the year was equally significant. Sophia achieved a 92 High Distinction in her RAD Advanced 2 examination, surpassing a long-held personal goal. She also enjoyed success at the AGP Bangkok Regional, where she won a gold medal and qualified for the finals in Manila. There, she was recognised by Mr. Birkadze of American Classical Ballet, who awarded her a scholarship another milestone in a remarkable year.

Representing Malaysia on an international platform has been both an honour and a responsibility for Sophia. She reflects on how the role broadened her horizons, allowing her to express and create art through movement while showcasing the growing strength of the Malaysian dance community.

As a young leader in dance, this experience deepened her sense of purpose and reinforced the importance of visibility, representation, and connection across borders.

Connecting with the Ballet Nights network of dancers, teachers, and directors offered Sophia valuable insight into the realities of a life in dance. She learned that no single path is linear, and that careers often evolve through unexpected turns.

Rather than seeing this as uncertainty, she now views it as a possibility where ballet can lead into choreography, contemporary work, coaching, magazine features, and beyond. The journey, she believes, is just as important as the destination.

For those stepping into the 2026 Ballet Nights Young Ambassador Programme, Sophia offers heartfelt advice:

“Embrace all your challenges, because challenges transcend borders between your current self and your fullest potential.”

As Sophia completes her year as Ballet Nights Young Ambassador for Malaysia, we extend our sincere gratitude and admiration for the way she has represented Ballet Nights and the vibrant young dance community of Malaysia. The Young Ambassador Programme was created not only to support individual artistic development, but to invest in local talent, strengthen community connections, and contribute to the long-term, sustainable growth of ballet across the region. Throughout her time with us, Sophia has reflected these values through her commitment, professionalism, and generosity of spirit.

We are incredibly proud of all that Sophia has achieved during her year as Young Ambassador and of the example she has set for the next generation of dancers. As she continues on her journey, we look forward to following her progress and supporting her future development, while continuing our wider mission of creating meaningful international pathways for emerging artists in Southeast Asia.

We wish Sophia every success in the next chapter of her training and career, she will always be part of the Ballet Nights family.