Flamenco is passion, rhythm and fire — and few embody it in Singapore like 59-year-old Tilly Wong, Founder and Senior Company Dancer of Flamenco Sin Fronteras. From ballet at five in Malaysia, to dancing professionally in the US as a young adult, followed by a decade-long break raising a family, and then returning stronger than ever, Tilly’s dance journey is one of devotion, resilience and artistry. SG Lifestyle’s Features Editor, Angela May Tan — herself a dance lover — caught up with Tilly over coffee to talk about dance, discipline and the daring it takes to step onto the stage.
- How did you first get involved in dance? Tell us about your journey.
I fell in love with dance at my very first ballet class, aged five. My parents — both Latin dancers — encouraged me, and I tried almost every genre I could. Movement, music, expression — dance was always my happy place. Although my parents supported my passion, they wouldn’t allow me to study the Performing Arts at tertiary-level. Therefore, I joined the University Dance Company in the US and danced whenever I could. Later, I took a decade-long break to raise my family. Returning to the studio felt like coming home — and I have never left since.
- When did your passion for dance take shape?
It has always been part of me. I trained at the Federal Academy of Ballet (FAB) under the late Mrs Lee Lee Lan, starting with ballet before moving on to modern, jazz and tap. She spotted my potential and invited me to choreograph and perform for the Academy. As a teenager, I joined several companies and performed at events — even earning pocket money along the way. Now, I dance with Flamenco Sin Fronteras (FSF), Singapore’s leading flamenco school. I have taught and performed with FSF as a Senior Company Dancer for over 15 years. This September (13–21), I’ll perform in two shows at the Singapore Flamenco Festival VIII.
- Why Flamenco? When and how did you fall in love with it?
After my break, I wanted a dance form that would challenge me. Flamenco did just that — soulful, raw, and emotionally honest. It was also unfamiliar: a foreign art in a foreign language. But I embraced that discomfort and discovered its power — strength and grace, rhythm and beauty.
Flamenco also celebrates individuality. For years I have explored how to find my own body language while staying true to tradition — and I’m still exploring today.
- Is Flamenco expensive to pick up? Do you need special skills?
All you really need is a good pair of Flamenco shoes. Anyone with passion and determination can learn. A good memory (for choreography) and sense of rhythm are helpful too. Costumes are usually from Spain or Japan. A Falda (performance skirt), can be costly — the dramatic flare requires plenty of fabric. As you progress, you will also learn to dance with the Bata de Cola (long-tailed dress), Mantón (shawl), Castanets, Bastón, fan, etc… the list is endless. Flamenco is a lifelong journey.
- Who inspires you most, and why?
Retired French ballet dancer, Sylvie Guillem. I saw her perform with Akram Khan at the Esplanade Singapore in Sacred Monsters. She was nearly 50 — around my age then — and she still commanded the stage with extraordinary beauty.
I am no Sylvie Guillem, but she inspired me to keep performing, to keep dancing.
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From the discipline of ballet to the fire of Flamenco, Tilly Wong proves that dance is more than performance — it is perseverance, passion and reinvention. As she prepares to take the stage at the Singapore Flamenco Festival VIII this September, her story reminds us to always follow the rhythm of your heart.
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The Singapore Flamenco Festival VIII lights up the stage from 13 to 21 September 2025 with three electrifying performances over two weekends. Experience Tauromagia by Spain’s celebrated dancer Mercedes Ruiz, joined by some of the country’s top Flamenco musicians and Singapore’s own Flamenco Sin Fronteras. Discover the bold fusion of Flamenco with Asian music and dance in FlamencAsian, and cheer on our local flamenco talents in Punto Rojo.
🎟️ Tickets now available via SISTIC: sistic.com.sg/events/sff0925
Find out more about Flamenco Sin Fronteras at www.flamencosinfronteras.com.sg
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Interview by Angela May Tan, Features Editor & Writer