BK Magazine 838

Swing, hip-hop, Latin, voguing— where and how to boogie in Bangkok.

We can dance if we want to.

WHO’S IN CHARGE?

BK EDITORIAL

Managing Editor Tyler Roney

Senior Lifestyle Writer Vinita Chumsri

Senior Lifestyle Writer Sarisa Pokawattana

Art Director Wirankan Saiyasombut

Production Manager Komkrit Klinkaeo

GROVE: COCONUTS BRAND STUDIO

Managing Editor Andra Nasrie

Associate Thai Editor Pakvipa Rimdusit

Branded Content Writer Moe Thet War

Senior Project Manager

Sirinart Panyasricharoen

Senior Account Manager Hafiz Rasid

Senior Digital Account Manager Nuttajuk

Kittichailuk

Head of Business Development

Elizabeth Chua

Senior Business Development Manager

Piti Rungrojanaluck

Business Development Manager

Chalida Anuwattanawong

Managing Director Dietrich Neu

Publisher, Printer, and Editor Tara Rattanaphas

06

by the numbers Government House refurb

07

bk in brief Rolling Loud hip-hop festival returns to Thailand in November 2024

14 open door Indian restaurant Indus opens a decadent sister project in Chitlom

12 new & noted Phuket specialty dessert cafe opens at Corner House

15

08 cover story

Dance like nobody’s watching

16 nightlife

Paper Plane Project delves into private clubs with Lloyd’s Club

18

22 last word Thailand’s prima ballerina Nutnaree “Ommi” Pipit-Suksun speaks about living life on her toes

Sustainable Thai fashion brand Pipatchara releases Butterfly Effects collection at Emsphere

Pipatchara, one of Thailand’s leading fashion brands, has graced the catwalks in local and global fashion capitals such as Paris, New York, Dubai, and most recently London. Now they’re returning to Thailand to showcase their Butterfly Effects collection at EmSphere.

The brand is big on sustainability, with their “Infinitude” line of products one of the most wellknown examples of upcycling orphan plastic to create unique geometrically tabbed garments and accessories.

The collection is inspired by the “butterfly effect” principle in which one small change can create large consequences. Unlike most high fashion houses, they make a point to stay away from the trend of releasing a completely new look or following trends every season.

This is a showcase of the brand’s journey and achievements from the beginning to present day, featuring 30 of their most show-stopping looks from past Pipatchara collections.

This Songkhla-based Batik fashion store is sprucing up typical Songkran wear

Ahead of the one month long Songkran holiday this April, Clothear, a Thai fashion brand founded in Songkhla specializing in Batik textiles, is trying their hand at a Songkran-themed collection.

These looks come with a high price tag, but if you are willing to splurge, why not?

Released over the weekend, this holiday special has quickly become their best selling collection to date. The Songkran-themed original patterns with cartoon designs reminiscent of what you might find on ancient murals is versatile enough to be featured on formal and casual garb.

If you’re planning for a judgment-free family reunion, their midi length skirts or long pants paired with the collection’s Poor Things-eque organza tops are an appropriate option.

But if you’re planning to hit the streets, their breezy shirts and pants will be a lot easier for dodging water attacks.

Italian sneaker brand Golden Goose opens its Thailand debut store in Emquartier

If you love standout sneakers, chances are you’re already well acquainted with Golden Goose, a luxury Italian brand renowned for their iconic star logo and intentionally distressed kicks. The brand channels the casual knockabout cool and sporty persona by embodying a philosophy centered around the beauty of “perfectly imperfect.”

Established in 2000 by Venetian designers Francesca Rinaldo and Alessandro Gallo, Golden Goose has become one of Italy’s most successful brands of the past decade. Each pair of Golden Goose shoes is hand-crafted into a well-loved, aged pair of high-quality leather footwear, with the belief that sneakers improve with age, owing in part to the fact that they are designed to look worn—which means you don’t have to worry about scrapes or scratches.

The store will showcase the brand’s latest collections alongside its signature sneakers. It has also introduced the Dream Makers section, where customers can customize their shoes by adding crystals, studs, special charms, laces, and more with a range of techniques from distressing and embroidery to hand-painted details.

upfront BY THE NUMBERS FIXER UPPER

The new refurb will cost B138,000,000.

Srettha Thavisin is only the 2nd PM to reside in Government House, after Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram from 1938 to 1944.

It has been alleged that the plan to revamp Government House’s law cost B498,352 with Paspalam grass from Green Value Co Ltd.

YOU SAID WHAT?

“I have 2 words for her: acid reflux ,”

— Instagram user @noisjourneys on a BK feature on visiting competitive eating influencer Raina Huang.

“Tell me you’ve never been to KL without telling me you’ve never been to KL,”

— Instagram user @aka_chauncey on BK’s claim that Bangkok has the best Indian food in mainland Southeast Asia.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin took himself on a whirlwind tour last month, but back home he was drawing criticism for his massive budget to renovate Government House.

“Who needs a bed in a cinema? More concrete: who needs a bed in a cinema where other people watching? ,”

— Facebook user Chris Wiesner on BK’s list of VIP Cinemas.

The PM has said the cost will be spread over 12 different areas.

B11,000,000 will go to developing a digital office system.

“Srettha is the second PM to reside in Government House” Khaosod English, Jan 2, 2024. “B138m project ‘violates’ PM’s order, activist says,” Bangkok Post. Mar 10, 2024.

HOT OR NOT

Fortune And Glory, Kid

Bethesda, the name behind some of the biggest games in the world, will be releasing their new Indiana Jones game later this year, and the ruins of Sukhothai will be playing a part—a big win for soft power. But Indiana Jones and the Friday Bangkok Traffic would be more challenging.

Monkeying Around

After yet another monkey attack in the tourist spot of Lopburi, conflict has cropped up again with our simian friends after an attack sent a woman to the hospital. Many were surprised to learn that compensation under the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act only applies to elephants and guars.

Suvarnabhumi 2.0

The government has big plans for Suvarnabhumi airport, planning to double its capacity to a whopping 150 million passengers. The authorities plan to add a new runway later this year in a revamp that will try to build Thailand into an aviation hub—a B100 billion project.

Save the Buds

No one is quite sure how, but the government has stated plans that it will recriminalize the use of cannabis, under the auspices that it is not being used for non-medical purposes. Just 19 months after it was decriminalized, you may soon need a doctor’s note to get high, and that’s very bad news for the dispensaries.

Rolling Loud hip-hop festival returns to Thailand in November 2024

Rolling Loud announced that they would be returning for a 2024 concert in Thailand for another three-day event in November. The announcement came at a press event at Chupa Night Club in Bangkok, followed by performances from Thaitanium, 1mill, and FIIXD.

On the scorching concrete of Legend Siam in Pattaya, last year’s Rolling Loud was a landmark event for Thai hip-hop, partnering big headliners like Cardi B and Travis Scott with local talent like Milli and Thaitanium.

This year, the event will return to the same venue from November 22-24. Legend Siam is a sprawling event area, last year featuring three stages, food from around the country, an air conditioned tattoo parlor, and VIP areas. The November dates will be welcome news for acts and festival-goers alike who spent three days last year contending with Thailand’s intense April heat.

No acts or setlists have been announced for the event so far, but the March version of Rolling Loud in LA set for later this month includes Nicki Minaj, Post Malone, and Lil Uzi Vert.

First round tickets sold out fast without any headliners being announced, so keep your head on a swivel.

Wonderfruit is back for a 5-day festival this December

Wanderers, mark your calendars for 2024’s celebration of art, music, and culture because Wonderfruit announced earlier this week its highly anticipated dates for 2024: Dec 12-16, set against the backdrop of The Fields at Siam Country Club, Chonburi.

The pop-up city is returning for its ninth year, having established itself as one of Southeast Asia’s top festivals. With over 28,000 people in 2023, the festival attracts visitors from throughout Thailand and beyond.

The five-dayer goes nonstop; expect a curated melting pot of activities, with a lineup including talks, workshops on subjects ranging from environmental conservation to holistic health, art installations, and, of course, music, which will be performed on over ten stages by a range of artists, DJs, and bands. The festival is also obsessed with promoting sustainability. They include zero-waste policies and the use of sustainable materials, and transform the festival grounds into an experiment in eco-friendly living.

Like 2023, we predict a 72-hour window to snag your golden tickets, so save the date, gather your friends, and get your dancing shoes out.

Charoenkrung gets a new French cafe and cultural hub in Balzac

Balzac is the city’s latest spot to exchange Thai and French culture over some homemade treats.

The cafe is named after Honore de Balzac, the famed French writer of the 19th century who turned his back on law to pursue a writing career (every parent’s dream). The man was also a coffee addict and is said to have downed more than 50 cups a day to fuel his creativity. Some have even cited caffeine poisoning as a possible cause of his death.

Owner Chango “Zac” Favre, shares some similarities with Balzac. Having a background in law, he opened his dream cafe after Covid died down.

“I’ve been coming and going from Thailand for around 6 years,” Zac says. “I noticed that there was only one prominent French bookstore in Bangkok which is Alliance Francaise.”

Compared to the amount of Francophones living in Thailand, Zac saw an opportunity and began shipping his personal collection of books, movies, and music from Switzerland to Thailand.

It was originally going to just be a bookstore but quickly grew into something bigger. This multi-storey project reflects the cafe culture that Zac and other Europeans might be familiar with back at home but places like these are less mainstream in Bangkok. ●

Photo: Balzac Photo: Rolling Loud / BK Magazine

Photo: Wonderfruit

From freestyle hip-hop and swing to K-pop and voguing, BK explores where (and how) to strut your stuff.

Swing dancing

You might have come across one of the events hosted by swing dance school The Hop, filling the streets of Yaowarat and other open air public spaces with people moving and grooving and living that sock hop life.

But how did the 1930s Harlem roots of swing make their way to Bangkok? BK spoke with the co-owners and instructors at The Hop, Chayapong “Oat” Naviroj and Young Ji Kim, to learn more.

Oat became enamored with the style when he studied abroad in America and founded The Hop along with two expats back in 2012, including his life partner Young Ji Kim.

Swing has strong ties to African American

communities, and Oat explains that the term itself refers to the style of jazz music. Under the swing umbrella, there are subsets of dances like the charleston, lindy hop, solo jazz—all of which you can pick up at The Hop. Occasionally, the school will throw a “social dance night” with a test class for 30 mins (B200) so you can freestyle on the dance floor with live bands from Mahidol University and guest musicians from abroad.

Emphasizing the communal side of swing, the classes are taught in English; you’ll see an even ratio of expats, tourists, and locals mingling at The Hop.

“When you graduate from university, it’s really difficult to find deep connections as an adult,” Young Ji shares. “We want it to be more than a school, so after we finish dancing, we’d go out to eat together at the kao tom or guay tiew shops.”

The swing dances in their heyday were the highlight of the week even. So dancers would dress to the nines—making swing something of a time-traveling costume occasion these days.

Swing dancing might not be as competitive as other genres in Thailand but recent competitions brought in participants from 26 countries around the world. Some of the subgenres like balboa are less physically demanding on the body so if you have health issues, these moves can be a great place to start.

A lot of people are intimidated by the improvised moves. Young Ji compares learning a new dance to learning a new language. In the end, you have to be present to soak it all up.

“It’s not me, it’s just my feet,” Young Ji says. “This is a life skill too! Both of us just crave going with the flow.”

Where you can find swing dancing: The Hop

The current schedule for April 2024 includes weekly classes on varying levels of lindy hop, beginner’s level of blues, charleston, solo jazz, balboa, and level 2 tap dancing. 252, 8 Si Lom Rd., 02-235-2653, Open Tues 8-11pm, Thurs 7-11pm, Sat 8-11pm.

Voguing

Originating in 1980s Harlem, voguing takes inspiration from elaborate poses found in the pages of high fashion magazines (like the eponymous Vogue). However, the dance is part of a much larger and underground “ballroom” scene which was founded and popularized by black and latino LGBTQ+ communities back in the 60s. These balls are a showcase of talent, a party, and a battling ground between the “houses” (a surrogate family and teammates).

The balls allocate a space participants can use as a runway or a dance floor. There are various categories such as “femme realness” in which the person who most likely passes as a cisgender woman will take the trophy. Categories like these aren’t just a celebration of queer identities; they’re also a performance queer folks have to keep up to be safe from discrimination outside the ballroom bubble.

Voguing has evolved from the “old way”—which features five elements: hand performance, catwalk, floor work, duck walk, spin, and dip—to the “new way” that brings contortion and building geometrical shapes. The popular “vogue femme” is usually performed by “femme queens” (trans and female presenting individuals) highlighting soft and fluid transitions between moves with dramatic punctuations.

In Bangkok, the voguing scene is still relatively small with only two houses (House of Sun and House of Siren) actively competing in a ball. Taeng Mizrahi, who founded the local House of Siren, says that

she’s been trying to build and expand the scene since 2020.

Over the years she’s hosted workshops in collaboration with legendary names from abroad such as Chise Ninja from Japan, Dolores Ninja from the US, and Ada Ninja from Russia. She also runs “Vogue Culture,” an online platform to spread news on voguing and ball culture from creators in the scene.

In 2022, she got to be a choreographer and backup dancer for singer Patcha’s “Phrom Mai Ka Kathoey” music video, which now sits with over 1 million views on YouTube.

“The moves you see are quite authentic but we also adapt it to go with the song and the times we’re living in,” Taeng says.

Although there have been mainstream media inspired by elements of voguing, most are not actual voguers but popular stars or people who fit into the Thai beauty standards. The ballroom scene serves as a place of empowerment where members hype each other up and try out different ways to express themselves whether it’s in voguing or fashion.

“We’re super open,” Taeng touts. “You don’t have to be an expert dancer or a fashionista to join.”

Where you can find voguing:

You can stay updated on the classes and workshop via Instagram; @siren.kiki currently hosts weekly Saturday classes 2-3:30pm at RCA dance studios in Rama 9. The course focuses on the history and key elements of voguing. There’s a routine to practice, but it’s more about the foundation of freestyling where learners will learn to swap sequences and create something of their own.

K-pop

Since the Hallyu wave hit in the 90s, Thailand has been swept up in the K-pop scene. There are even Korean nightclubs, like Anju, these days that cater to the K-pop crowd. Whether you’re looking to be the next Lisa from BlackPink or covering dances from your favorite bands, dance schools in Bangkok have everything from beginner classes to intense training programs.

Where you can the find K-pop dance community:

Minizize

Minizize gives daily K-pop dance classes which you can customize to your liking. There are courses for kids, dance workouts, and fully fledged K-pop choreography to try out.

2 F, The Street, Ratchadaphisek Rd., 093 372 5419. Open Mon-Fri 11am10pm; Sat-Sun 9am-10pm

The Inner Studio

The Inner Studio provides kpop dance lessons for children and adults. You can also take classes online and master moves from specific hits like “Butter” from BTS and Lisa’s “Money.”

Esplanade, 99 Ratchadaphisek Rd., 063 980 5000. Open 9:30am-10pm

Photo: Voguing / House of Siren

Photo: Voguing / House of Siren

Traditional Thai Dance

Dating back more than 500 years and encompassing both classical and folk, Thai traditional dance features weaving together elegant movements, flexible hands, extravagant costumes, and traditional Thai instruments. The artform includes Khon and Lakhon Nai, and you can also find folk dances like Likay and Ramwong.

Navinda “Lordfai” Pachimsawat, a well-known figure in Thailand’s dance world, serves as both the 2nd generation managing director and creative director of the Bangkok Dance Academy which opened in 1990. A Victorian College of the Arts graduate and a recipient of the Dance Web scholarship to perform at the Vienna International Dance Festival, Navinda has become committed to advocating for the advancement of dance in Thailand since her return. Navinda acknowledges that its exclusivity arises from traditional teaching methods and hierarchical structures, but says class numbers have been declining.

The performances often take inspiration from religion and epic tales like the Ramakien, symbolizing the eternal battle between good and evil. Once a privilege reserved for the elite, today, like many forms of traditional and folk art, faces challenges in accessibility.

While Thai dancing is often showcased at venues catering to tourists, there’s a growing movement to make it more inclusive.

For those interested in watching, Siam Niramit hosts cultural concerts, including hundreds of performers, and the National Theatre hosts Khon and Lakhon. If you need a plush introduction, BK readers will already know Sala Rim Naam at the Mandarin Oriental puts on Thai every evening.

Places for Thai dance

Bangkok Dance Academy

One class weekly, teaching different Thai dances at 12 branches.

Rumpuree

Classes with Nid, who has more than 30 years of experience in traditional Thai dance.

Jasmine City Bldg, Sukhumvit 23, 062-449-794

Samyan Mitrtown, 944 Rama IV, 062-449-4296

ITDA Thai Art and Culture Center

Their Thai dance program is a one-day course complete with a certificate of completion. 36, Sukhumvit Soi 16, 02-662-4230

Hip-Hop

Thailand’s hip-hop scene isn’t a secret. From Milli and Thaitanium on stage at Rolling Loud to Bang Sue Electrix on Bangkok’s local stages, Thailand loves hip-hop. On the dance side of things, there’s Badvibes, Bangkok’s best space for the good ol’ fashioned dance off. This is where you go to get served.

Last year, Bangkok hosted Badvibes Vol. 2 pitting competitors against one another surrounded by a rowdy crowd of dance fans in a whirlwind of dance, disses, and dramatic moments; more than 200 dancers from around the region signed up.

“Hip-hop dancing is less constrained and does not necessarily have set rules, and continuously evolves every day. Even the way you walk has a rhythm and is considered hip-hop,” Niran “Kevin” Bondoerffer with Badvibes tells BK.

There’s freestyling, krumping, popping and locking—the style varies but there’s a spirit of community that brings dancers from around the

Latin dance

Salsa, tango, samba, mambo—there are really too many styles to choose from here, but you can’t leave out Latin dance because, well, it’s just too sexy.

It takes two to tango, they say, but down at Am Bar in Bangkok, their Latin dance nights are drawing hundreds. Every Sunday dancers show up for their workshops at 8pm for Bachata Fever. “This is easily the largest weekly party in Thailand,” says Pei, the organizer of the Bachata Fever event and the CEO of Bangkok Bachata Gang. “We have all been dancing for years, but we are new organizers. We have only been organizing parties for two months, but our reputation begins to precede us because we have the best music, the best instructors, the best venue, and various theme nights.”

Bachata is a slower, more sensual dance than the salsa, originating in the 20th century in the Dominican Republic. For these events, people show up with or without partners for two workshops and then a dance party. The organizers also work with salsa or kizomba dance depending on the music.

They’re not the only ones. International DJ and dance instructor Alex Teodorescu has free dance lessons and features a new dance style every week. The Cuba-themed bar does this every Sunday and it’s Havana Social, so you know it’ll turn into a party.

world to test their mettle.

Their next event is scheduled for May 10-13, where they’ll be holding one-on-one dancing battles, as well as panel debates and workshops. Judges from Europe and Japan and dancers from throughout Southeast Asia and beyond will be in attendance.

Places to learn hip-hop dance:

D Maniac Dance Studio

Hip hop classes are usually held everyday with a variety of different skill levels.

RCA Block D 21-98, 063-796-4133

The Movement Studio BKK

Around two to three classes per week with different hip-hop genres.

Block F, Kamphaeng Phet 7 Soi 3, 092-962-2396

Minizize Dance Studio

Two classes a day, from beginners to advanced, including twerking.

The Street, Ratchadaphisek. 093-372-5419

Places for Latin dance:

Bachata Fever

Every Sunday from 8pm AmBar kicks off their Bachata Fever event, featuring a slew of bachata dancers.

AmBar, Sukhumvit Soi 15. 02-309-3288

Social Dance Bangkok

Four weekly classes with 60 students per week, and they’re expecting six weekly classes coming soon.

Cat and Cow Studio, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 086-586-7755

Havana Social

Alex Teodorescu keeps the heads and the bodies spinning at Havana Social every Sunday night.

41, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-821-6111

Above Eleven

Wednesdays are salsa night and ladies’ night at Above Eleven. It’s more about the music than the dancing at this spot but bring your dancing shoes anyway.

Fraser Suites, 38/8 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-038-5111 ●

Photo: Badvibes Vol. 2 / BK Magazine

Photo: Bachata Fever / Bachata Fever

Thonglor gets a fiery new Indian restaurant serving up comfort food with a twist

This joint uses the art of fire and smoke play to prepare the meals and serve it up in a cozy upscale dining spot. “Baba” can be used to address elders, babies, and friends, but here it’s used to refer to someone you respect, a reflection of the care put into their sourcing and cooking process. The key ingredients of each dish are directly imported from India to preserve authenticity, while seasonally sourced Thai produce provides a local touch to the menu. Set in the lifestyle and community space, Marche Thonglor, Baba joins the rest of its M Floor offerings of legendary grab and go style restos. Start small with Baba’s bitesize samosas; the typically savory treat is stuffed with jackfruit. Their lamb vindaloo takes eight hours to slow cook.

South Korea’s popular fried chicken chain BHC Chicken opens at Central World

Bangkok has another newcomer to the fried chicken scene: BHC Chicken, South Korea’s most popular chicken chain, the abbreviation meaning “better happier choice.” With an already strong international presence of over 2,000 stores in South Korea, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and the USA, BHC has finally expanded to Thailand with a Central World location. Some BHC favorites include their fried chicken with their signature Bburinkle seasoning, which combines cheese, garlic, and onion. For something sweeter, try the Gold King, which combines soy sauce, garlic, and a sweet honey glaze. Exclusively for Thailand, they have crispy fried chicken joints (B139) and skin (B139).

Phuket specialty dessert cafe opens at Corner House

At the end of last year, an Old Town historic building in Charoenkrung was revamped into the Corner House, an artistic community and lifestyle space. Among the activities and bites is the new Juitee, a cafe offering a stream of contemporary and rare Phuket desserts and drinks.Run by siblings, Juitee opened its first branch in Phuket around the beginning of the pandemic. Due to their combination of authentic recipes and trendy presentation, the business took off. Now, with its first outlet in Bangkok, the shop hopes to bring a little southern charm to the urbanites.Their Ice-Creme Crêpe A-pong is a twist on one of Phuket’s most famous treats. It is originally taken from Malaysian desserts and consists of a crunchy-on-the-outside and soft-in-themiddle crepe.

Photo: Baba

Photo: Phuket

Photo: Sun.ABSS

ANJU Rooftop Bar ups its Korean food game with new award-winning chef

ANJU Korean Rooftop Bar at Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok, Vignette Collection welcomes Chef YoungDae Shim as its new Executive Sous Chef. Chef Shim brings global experience, honed in Michelin-starred restaurants, to create a “Modern Korean” menu launching March 22, 2024.

Under Chef YoungDae’s helm, expect innovative twists on Korean classics like Pickled Salmon & Prawn and Bone-in Short Rib alongside unique desserts like Jooak & Makgeolli Ice Cream. This exciting new menu complements ANJU’s Korean-inspired cocktails for a complete culinary journey.

Chef Shim’s arrival marks a new era for ANJU, solidifying its position as a Bangkok mustvisit for K-Pop fans, foodies, and anyone seeking a vibrant Korean dining experience.

Brought to you by

Oh My Godmother is a hot new hybrid patisserie and pastathemed spot at Emsphere

The Iberry group—known for successful restaurants such as Kub Kao Kub, Thong Smith, and Charoen Gang—launched its newest restaurant endeavor, Oh My Godmother with the hot new mall in Phrom Phong, Emsphere. It’s a fun and whimsical patisserie and restaurant decorated with booths, white tiled walls, and terrazzo tables, bringing together the talents of Vietnamese pastry chefs, Chalee Kader, Chef Narae Kim, and the Iberry Group. Inspired by the concept of itameshi, the menu celebrates a fusion of Western classics with Japanese, Korean, and other Asian elements. The menu, designed by Top Tables 2023 Best Chef Chalee Kader, concentrates on nostalgic classics with the “fat kid food concept”). Stay tuned for a new space at Marche.

Udom Suk gets a chic new cafe specializing in churros

Recently launched in January, Sun.ABSS is a trendy gem of a cafe that’s a quick sevenminute walk from the Udom Suk BTS. They claim to have some of the best churros in town. So what’s the verdict? The latter half of the cafe’s name ABSS is an abbreviation which stands for “alone but still shine,” fitting for a standalone cafe far away from other cafe hopping haunts in the city. The venue is reminiscent of Korean cafes, keeping the general muted minimalistic tones and adding interesting texture with curved furniture, cute wall art, and orange colored glass walls. Taking advantage of the sunny weather, their all white exterior makes a perfect snapshot with natural lighting creating intriguing shapes and shadows. ●

INDIAN RESTAURANT INDUS OPENS A DECADENT SISTER PROJECT IN CHITLOM

The buzz: Run by the same team as Indus, an authentic Indian restaurant that has been on the scene since 2005, the cozy new joint tapped Chef Sanket Hoskote to helm the kitchen, a chef who honed his craft in Dubai’s Carnival by Tresind and Bangalore’s Alchemy.

The vibe: Where Indus welcomes you with homey art deco vibes, Jharokha—which refers to the intricately designed windows of Rajasthan palaces—peeks into the rich craftsmanship of Indian style. The bar area at the front is inspired by Rajasthan’s luxurious polo clubs, and that opulence is echoed throughout the venue with touches of mahogany fixtures and leather sofas.

The food: Jharokha prioritizes traditional Indian cooking techniques such as slow cooking, grilling, fire pit cooking, and a lot of their specialties are brought to life via a Kopa charcoal oven. Start off with their signature Bhuna Kaleji (B350), a light and crispy roseshaped cookie with Indian spiced liver pate filling. The tiny dollops of spiced mango jam add a little sweetness. But you can’t say you’ve arrived at Jharokha without trying the Bheja Pav (B490). Inside a pocket of fluffy French toast sits goat brain topped with crispy, thin potato fries. Don’t let the ingredient scare you; the brain is rich and buttery—like foie gras with the familiar texture of Japanese uni. Showing off its fire pit creations, the Himmalayan Gucchi and Khumb (B450) introduces cream stuffed morel

mushrooms alongside sousvide king oyster mushrooms. The green herbs sprinkled on top also gives the nutty, earthy vegetarian dish a refreshing aftertaste. To get in some meat, opt for the Batak Seekh Kebab (B480). Traditionally, kebabs are made from chicken or lamb but this one is made from ground duck meat marinated in butter cream and cilantro. It tastes similar to a Thai homok curry fish cake dish, only these ones have added sweetness from the pineapple chutney at the bottom. If you’re coming in for a big celebration, get one of their curries to share. The six-hour slow cooked mutton in the Champaran Gosht (B590) is served in a claypot. Simply break the thin sheet of flour on the surface and indulge in the tender, buttery mustard-infused meat.

The drinks: For some tipple, the venue provides a selection of signature cocktails and reds and whites from around the world. The Masala Chai (B140), however, is a classic dessert pairing. Its fragrant milkiness is undercut with essential herbs that lends its desirable caramel hue.

Why we’d come back: Situated downtown, Jharokha is a prime location for both hungry foodies and special occasions. The a la carte and sharing menus are a call back to traditional culinary techniques and local and lesser known ingredients.

2/F, Erawan Bangkok Building, 494, Ploenchit Rd., 082997-3399, Open daily 12–10 pm. ●

Sarisa Pokawattana

KHAO SO-I

4/2-3, Convent Rd., 062-591-3791, Open daily 10:30am-9pm (last order at 8:30pm).

Khao-So-I is the hot new kid on the block from Chiang Mai, a fresh take on the traditional khao soi, infusing the classic dish with Japanese twists and noodle prep. More than that, this space is still drawing huge crowds since its opening in October of last year—so BK put it to the test.

The menu is warmly introduced via iPad from attentive staff. Built for efficiency, the restaurant allows guests to select their preferences via a tick-box menu. The eatery itself is decked out in dark wood hues and warm lighting, reminiscent of a cozy house, with a half-open kitchen churning out trays of khao soi.

We started off with the fried marinated pork neck (B119)—crispy and light with a satisfyingly fatty pork neck. Despite the little chilies scattered across the top, it was pleasantly tingle-warm rather than scorching

But we’re here for the khao soi. In Chiang Mai, you might expect to eat your floating drumstick on the corner of the road, sitting on a plastic stool, sweat pouring down your face and back. At Khao Soi-I, this dish is teamed with wagyu, lobster, and scallops. This is no place for the purist, though you can opt for chicken or pork. There’s also a choice of enjoying your noodles dry or in a broth. We ordered both.

The first arrival was the Iwate Wagyu F1 (B499) torched right in front of us. The broth is complex, hearty, and wildly

fragrant. Because the wagyu sits on top of the broth, it doesn’t cook or change in texture. The noodles had a springy, firm bite to them, but a creamier broth could have brought it home. The fish roe topping had conflicting flavors, overpowering the wagyu and detracting from the smokiness from the torch.

Next up is the dried khao soi, with chicken, braised pork, and stir-fried noodles (B198). This one is reminiscent of stir-fried yakisoba, frying the noodles with the restaurant’s secret sauce. The dish was innovative and refreshing for people venturing away from traditional khao soi, and the noodles arrived with a fragrant lick of wok hei. While the noodles were a standout, the chicken and braised pork fell slightly short: dry pork and lacking in flavor. A little grilling and infusion could remedy this—or perhaps a touch more seasoning for depth.

Both dishes were very well presented, with meticulous attention to detail, complete with elegant crockery and a thoughtful selection of condiments: lime, pickled mustard greens, raw shallots, chili, and crispy noodles.

Khao-So-I is an example of how traditional khao-soi can be elevated without sacrificing its essence. With their impeccable customer service and attention to detail, they’ve created an impressive dining experience. ●

Brut brings the speakeasy trend to Ari

Brut is a small speakeasy bar hidden in Ari, and they kept things quiet up until the opening. The owners are influenced by brutalist architecture, film, photography, and literature, and the venue is intimate and sleek, outfitted with concrete walls, metal beams, and red lighting. The menu strives to highlight the materials utilized in the bar’s construction while also paying homage to the owners’ inspirations. Cocktails include Refraction, a flowery and aromatic cocktail made with gin, jasmine syrup, citric, chrysanthemum, tonic, club soda, and dill. There’s also the 1950s, which features matcha and lemon sous-vide gin, Campari, aloe vera, citric, fever-tree tonic, and squid ink—light and refreshing.

The InterContinental

Sukhumvit launches a jazzy new speakeasy with craft cocktails

Hot off its launch in the beginning of February, Rogues Bar is gearing up to greet lovers, singles, and everything in between with their globe-trotting inspired cocktails and collection of jazz tracks. The bar is set in the recently InterContinental Bangkok Sukhumvit, and all areas will be officially opened in April 2024. Tucked away in a discreet entrance on the 2nd floor, Rogues opens to a lounge complete with golden art deco touches, and jazz pouring out of the vintage jukebox. Their signature craft cocktails are a tribute to the metropolitan capitals of the world. The Salute To The World is designed to capture the vibes of extravagant Gatsby-esque parties, and the Samurai Angel is inspired by Tarantino’s cult classic “Kill Bill,” a smoky, spirit-forward drink with hints of matcha tea and chocolate bitters.

There’s a new beach club above Emsphere with a skyline pool and day beds

With the weather heating up, everyone’s dreaming of a tropical beach. Fortunately for Bangkokians, this dream materializes with a quick trip up the new Emsphere mall. Tribe Sky Beach Club is a stylish tropical beach oasis and Bangkok’s only sky beach club. Doors open at 11am, and guests can enjoy a day party or a swim in the sprawling pool spilling over Bangkok’s skyline. Don’t worry if you forgot your swimwear. They have swimsuits and complimentary towels available. The pool area includes day beds and a swim-up bar. As the sun sets, the ambiance shifts, with tribal house, Latin beats, and techno music coming alive, accompanied by live entertainment and bands. Colorful neon lights illuminate the venue, and fruity cocktails are on offer. Food options include Neapolitan-certified pizza, pasta, tacos, and bar snacks.

Paper Plane Project delves into private clubs with Lloyd’s Club

The Paper Plane Project’s exclusive club, Lloyd’s Club, has opened in Bangkok’s Metropole. There’s a classy lounge on the first level with an air of old money. Vintage photos and movie posters adorn the walls giving off aristocratic vibes. There’s also a small, open bar in the corner which serves seasonal beverages on rotation and small bites, and the second level provides individual rooms that give off a more intimate , cozy atmosphere. And, it’s Paper Plane Project, so you know it’s going to be cool. ●

TOP NIGHTLIFE TEAM UNITES FOR GOD BAR IN YAOWARAT WITH A RUN-DOWN CATHEDRAL VIBE

Vinita Chumsri

The buzz: GOD, short for Genius On Drugs, boasts an ambitious team of co-founders: Gunn Lee, Attapon De-Silva, and Niks Anuman. Together, the team has been behind the success of establishments such as Teens of Thailand, Asia Today, Tax, and Independence Bar. After three years of planning, GOD is a testament to their collective vision, and rumors have been swirling that this may be their final project together.

The vibe: The bar is intimate compared to other high-profile venues, but it already has an oversized reputation. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a deconsecrated gothic cathedral, with old stained glass windows juxtaposed against raw concrete and pillars, all illuminated under the glow of red light. The chilling atmosphere, rough, beatendown second floor with a piano, high ceilings, and stone detailing add to the dramatic ambiance. The music is atmospheric until some hip-hop samples perk up; pianists go up to play when they feel like it, delivering energy to a dark but effortlessly hip space.

The drinks and food: With a hint of the sacrilegious in all the right ways, the bar challenges the norms of the cocktail scene. Co-founder Niks, in a conversation with BK Magazine, expressed the sentiment, acknowledging a shifting landscape for consumer preferences. As tastes become

increasingly refined, GOD refuses to underestimate its guests. The menu embodies the ethos of “excessive is necessary,” introducing the idea of pairing drinks with contrasting yet complementary small bites. Each drink comes with a three-part ritual: sipping the drink, eating the garnish, and returning to the drink. The approach reveals different flavor palettes and a fun interplay of textures. 4 Cheesus (B480) is based on the trend of incorporating cheese into cocktails; Niks elevated this concept by featuring four distinct cheeses like a drinkable quattro formaggi pizza with a refined distillate paired with madeira barbeito, mozzarella water, and a lactic solution. To pair, there’s a blend of pungent blue cheese and mozzarella foam topped with crispy bites of fried cheddar and pecorino romano. Trinity: The Father, The Son, and Larb Kwaii (B560) is a tribute to one of Nik’s favorite dishes: buffalo larb from Doi Saket. Infused with vibrant larb seasoning, the drink offers a powerful kick and is paired with a buff chicharron topped with mayo truffle, truffle shavings, and wasabi sprouts, all of which snap and crackle. The truffle mayo creates a musky scent that rounds out the drink’s sharpness.

Why we’d come back: This is just the tip of the iceberg. With whispers about this being the team’s final masterpiece, this spot will be a must-try for the foreseeable future. As to what’s to come, GOD only knows. ●

MEET 9 YOUNG WOMEN IN THAILAND WHO ARE SHAKING THINGS UP

HOSPITALITY

Chef Pichaya “Pam” Soontornyanakij Chef and restaurant owner, including the Michelin-starred and Top Tables Potong and the BAD Award Best Bar winner Opium, along with others such as Smoked Joint and The Table.

I’m normally very organized and always prioritize my tasks, sometimes to minute details. I believe this helps you manage overall work-life balance in my case. To other female chefs, I hope you do whatever makes you happy but stay true to yourself, who you want to become. Don’t listen to objections. There are times you are going to fail but never give up because I believe that with strong determination and relentless willpower, one can definitely achieve her goal. In April, I’m launching my newest course menu “Revolution” at Potong. This is going to be my newest innovation, creations, and tastiest course at Potong yet. Also I

have recently launched WFW (Women-forwomen) Scholarship & Internship together with a non-profit organization, AWC.”

ACTIVISM

Emilie Palamy Pradichit

Emilie Palamy Pradichit, former Lao political refugee, intersectional feminist and international human rights lawyer and founder of the Manushya Foundation since 2017.

Honestly, my job is very demanding. Being a woman leader at the frontline of some of the most pressing democracy and human rights issues in the region—from transnational repression, online freedom to corporate accountability and climate justice— is definitely not easy. I’ve faced cyberbullying for years after opening Manushya, and I’m still being harassed by a few people from privileged backgrounds who don’t want to see me doing the work that I do. I balance

my work and life based on my needs and don’t pressure myself with the Western world’s standards of ‘work-life balance’. I try to meditate when I can and breathe well to reduce the stress and anxiety that come with the job. I am very family-oriented and spend quality time with loved ones. I love to travel and discover the world, and I’m blessed that my job takes me around the world, meeting amazing human beings sharing similar values. To the women coming from an unprivileged background like me, I would like to tell them that I see them, I believe in them, and I support them to be the leaders the world so need, if we truly want to heal collectively, and shift to a new Earth where people sincerely respect one another as Equal Human Beings (thus, our Moto #WeAreManushyan). Stay tuned to more content and work from Manushya on shifting power and decolonisation!

We share the microphone with 9 women who inspire us in work and life.

PAM

THA

EMILIE

MOOK

NAKADIA

POUPAY

PETCH

YOUNG JI KIM

NOK

MUSIC

Nakadia

A techno artist who came from living in an impoverished and rural household in Khun Buri into becoming a leading female techno artist.

The only way to have a good work-life balance is to make the best of every day, whatever the day looks like. My work is my life because I basically never take a day off and I work 12-16 hours per day. Traveling, studio work, performing or staying in touch with followers—I enjoy all of it. Advice I would give to aspiring artists is that the DJ scene has changed very much after Covid and currently social media seems to be more important than music. But my advice would be to always follow your heart when it comes to music. Be yourself and play what you love. That makes the difference and people can feel it. If you do that and you can also create a strong social media presence it can be a key to success

FASHION

Pipatchara “Petch” Kaeojinda Designer and founder of eponymous sustainable fashion brand Pipatchara which has debuted collections in Dubai Fashion Week.

My goal this year is to work and find some personal time for myself to workout or eat things I like. Most importantly, in the past 2-3 years, I’ve really prioritized my work so I think I have to reprioritize what’s important in my life like family, partner, and health. Six years ago, I might have neglected these things, but I’m 34 so I’m trying to watch my eating and sleeping habits, and I think this will help my happiness with my work in the long run. My work relates to fashion, art, and business; as an artist, there might be some aspects of your work that you don’t want to do, so finding the right consultant to help out in areas you’re not quite skilled at can help with balancing work and give you more time to do things you’re passionate about. Pipatchara recently released a new plastic recycle collection called the “Butterfly Effect” this summer.

DESIGN

Pattaraphan ‘Nok’ Salirathavibhaga

Designer and founder of fine jewelry brand Pattaraphan, with followers such as, Hailey Bieber and Gigi Hadid wearing her designs.

It’s definitely a challenge to find a worklife balance when you’re a designer who also runs her own business. But I’m a strong

believer in carving out a time to rest, guiltyfree. Intentionally putting some non-urgent tasks aside for the next day and setting time to do things I enjoy is important to keep a good headspace for me. I try to appreciate this restful time daily—even if it’s just an hour per day, a quick lunch with friends or an entire afternoon. Advice I would give to aspiring designers is that it’s going to work in your favor to be able to do everything from the simplest to toughest jobs. But also know that you don’t have to do everything all at once. You can go at your own pace and know that you can achieve anything you put your mind to—as long as you give it love and time.

FILM

Thapanee “Tha” Loosuwan Director and screenwriter of “Blue Again,” the coming of age debut drama nominated at the Busan International Film Festival 2022.

This year, I intend to carve out some time for simple happiness. I think these things will help fulfill the other areas in my life apart from work and help with my creativity. So everyday before work, I’ll find some time to cook my own breakfast. I have to come up with new menu ideas that’ll be both delicious and healthy. And eating with people I love, I think that can help get rid of the clutter in my head and give me the fire to head into work. I think we should always find opportunities for ourselves, put ourselves in the right environment, and train ourselves to have the skills so we’ll be ready to take the opportunity when it comes. This year, I’m releasing a personal project, a romantic short film, so stay tuned.

CREATIVE DIRECTING

Porntip “Mook” Attakanwong Creative director and co-founder of ATT19 and Cocoon, and co-founder and designer of -ade.

As a creative and entrepreneur who also works with her family and boyfriend (who is also my business partner)—I won’t lie and say that my work and life is always balanced. I am always inspired by my environment, and that reflects in my work. With my days always looking different depending on my schedule, we make sure we fill in moments in the day where we can enjoy things for ourselves— such as making a stop at a gallery we want to visit when we’re in the area for sourcing materials. It’s not vain to believe in yourself, it

is absolutely essential before you can expect others to. Be strong in your vision. At the same time, be flexible, accepting of critiques and ready to improve. And lastly, be ready to uplift others to grow with you.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Jutharat “Poupay” Pinyodoonyachet New York-based photographer who shot the 95th Academy Awards. Her work has been exhibited in Belgium, Germany, and the United States. She contributes to The New York Times, New York Magazine, The New Yorker, and The Wall Street Journal.

In terms of work-life balance, as a freelancer who doesn’t have a fixed schedule, I set my own rest day each week and tried not to work too late each day. Also never forget to eat and hydrate yourself during the day. Health is the most important thing. Advice I would give to aspiring women in the industry is to stay strong with your vision and speak up to support other women in the industry.

DANCE

Young Ji Kim

Swing dancer and co-founder of The Hop Bangkok, finalist and 3rd place holder in the international dance competition Savoy Cup, painter, sculptor, and mother of two young children.

After five years since my first pregnancy and raising two children, I learned to always connect with myself first in the morning. Sleeping enough is truly crucial to balance my life. When I sleep enough, I can do much more without feeling overwhelmed. Since my life is full of uncertainty, I learned to be very flexible and try to be content with imperfections; doing little by little is my approach. Try to make a small win here and there, leading up to bigger and bigger wins. When you decide to work in the art industry, many people might not believe in you at first. But trust me, there’s only one individual like you and this world needs you to be expressive. Simply be the best version of yourself instead of competing with somebody else. If you did better than yesterday, give yourself some compliments. I encourage you to believe in yourself and as long as you don’t give up, one day people will recognize you as an artist. I’m planning to make more “Dancing Plants” art series in the form of paintings, sculptures, and hosting more art workshops in my art studio at The Hop on Silom. ●

PM tries to woo the F1 race to Thailand

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin took his charms to the rest of the world recently with a globetrotting junket to Australia, Germany, and France. Among the other items on the docket—including the hopes of a new Volkswagen plant—the PM expressed interest in bringing the famed F1, or Formula One, race to Thailand. A bit of a shocker considering our own traffic worries, the event has been a success in our neighbor Singapore since 1961, and is a boost for tourism each time the Grand Prix kicks off. The F1 race series is one of the most prized events for international lovers of fast cars, featuring open-wheel cars. Around the world, there are 77 Grand Prix circuits in total. Other host nations include China, Japan, and India.

Visa-free scheme fuels Chinese tourism boom China’s biggest travel event coincided with the mutual visafree travel between Thailand and China in March in which Thais can visit China for up to 30 days visa free. Data from Trip.com Group showed that the number of Chinese tourists to China had increased 30%. At the beginning of the year, the government said they expected a total of eight million Chinese tourists to visit the Land of Smiles in the coming year, a drastic uptick from the 3.5 million last year. For all the complaining about Chinese tourism, it is still lower than before the plague. Under the pre-covid days of more than 11 million Chinese visitors per year. The visa deal goes both ways, so the travel industry can expect a lot more Thais on planes to the Middle Kingdom this year.

Rumors swirl over the sovereignty of Thai tourist island

A diplomatic kerfuffle has been raised over ownership of Koh Kood, known here in Bangkok as a holiday destination with big name hotels like Soneva Kiri. Hun Sen, the former prime minister of Cambodia, visited Thaksin Shinawatra, some are worried areas of the island could be up for grabs. The debate goes back to an agreement in 2001, in which the two countries decided to negotiate a maritime border for the rights to the 11 billion cubic meters of natural gas at sea. While this has had some worried their favorite sites on the island might get snaffled up by Cambodia, this has been largely dismissed by the government. Authorities in Trat have reaffirmed that Koh Kood is entirely under Thai sovereignty under the 1907 FrancoSiamese treaty. ●

THAILAND’S PRIMA BALLERINA NUTNAREE “OMMI” PIPIT-SUKSUN SPEAKS ABOUT LIVING LIFE ON HER TOES

On gracing world stages, overcoming injuries, dancing across three continents, and empowering young aspiring dancers.

The fluidity and gravity-defying jumps from dancers switching from fragile to fiery in a split second—ballet is enchanting. But behind all that is years of grueling work and commitment.

Nutnaree “Ommi” Pipit-Suksun began, like many in this career, at a very young age. At just 14, she received the Royal Academy of Dance’s Solo Seal Award and a three-year full scholarship to the world’s premier ballet school, the Royal Ballet School in London. At 15, she made history by being the first Thai ballet dancer to win a gold medal at the Genée International Ballet Competition. Performing leading roles in the ballet canon on stages around Europe and the United States, she joined the prestigious San Francisco Ballet at 18, becoming the youngest soloist dancer and the first Thai professional ballet dancer to join the company and was later promoted to principal dancer for Ballet San Jose. BK speaks with Thailand’s prima ballerina about careers, dreams, commitment, and dance.

What inspired you to pursue a career in ballet?

Honestly, I didn’t know anything about ballet when I was young. I started ballet because of my mom. I went to Mater Dei School for academics, close to the ballet school. So, in first grade, most moms took their daughters to ballet class as an after-school activity. I was also very small when I was young. My mom is only five feet tall and was afraid I would be small like her. So she thought that ballet would give me some sort of exercise so I would eat more and sleep better. Around age 8 or 9, I started to fall in love with it. I was a very shy and reserved kid, but dancing allowed me to express myself. Looking back now, as an adult, I feel like it was almost destiny. Obviously, I love it and put a lot of hard work into it, but I feel like everything sort of lined up. An examiner from the UK came and suggested my ballet teacher send my video audition to the Royal Ballet School in London. Fortunately, I got accepted.

Was becoming a ballerina always your lifelong dream?

I did dream of becoming a ballerina, but when you’re so young, you dream of wearing tiaras and tutus. You didn’t really know exactly what

being a ballerina meant. Even when I went to the Royal Ballet School and started to see the world more, I just wanted to dance. It wasn’t until my last year at the Royal Ballet School that I considered becoming a professional ballet dancer. I felt like I was already living my dream when I was at the Royal Ballet School. So, in a way, I felt like I was dancing for the love of dancing itself, and not so much like, oh, I have to achieve this.

Moving to the Royal Ballet School at 15 was a significant transition. How was it? Was it scary?

I feel like when you’re young, you’re so fearless. I didn’t have any fear in me at all. I didn’t speak a word of English. I only said hello and thank you for the first five months. It took me around a year and a half to two years to have the confidence to communicate with people and to really talk. And actually, looking back, it’s a blessing in disguise because not knowing much English makes you kind of in your own little world.

What did it take to get to that principal dancer role?

I feel like there has to be a little bit of luck involved. You have to be in the right place at

Vinita Chumsri

the right time, but you also have to have the skills and maturity to become a principal dancer. So it takes a lot of hard work and versatility. You also have to have good work ethics and manners. You can’t just be a good dancer; you’ve got to be able to work with everybody. If you dance because of the joy and love you get from it and do it for yourself, then that will motivate and keep you going. But if you dance for your parents, for your teacher, or to please your director, that’s not going to work or sustain you.

Could you share some of your most memorable performances or experiences as a ballerina?

A few of the most outstanding ones would be when I won the gold medal at the Genée International Competition. It was so memorable because I was so nervous backstage. The moment I walked on stage, it was almost like time had stopped. Everything went blank, and my body was floating, like I was walking on water, and I had no idea what happened until it was over. So that was one of those moments where I’m like, ‘What just happened?’

When I performed as a principal, I had moments where I felt like I could completely let go on stage. It’s only happened three times in my life where I felt like I was transported to a different dimension. So I think the best performance would be when you are able to be in the moment, when you let go of all the worries and you’re completely there but you’re still in control and conscious enough to know what you’re doing.

In terms of roles, I would have to say the role of Giselle. Giselle has been a dream role of mine since I was young. So when I got the opportunity to perform the lead role, I was like, ‘Wow, I feel like my dream has been accomplished.’

What challenges have you encountered?

Injuries are a big challenge. As dancers, we use our bodies so much. I encountered major knee injuries multiple times. So that knocked my confidence completely, and it took me a long time to recover—not only physically but also mentally. And when you’re young, you blame yourself for your injuries, you feel like you disappointed people around you. Being overseas, I didn’t have family support, and all my friends from school were gone. So you have to be your own person and take care of yourself. It took me a long time to come to the point of just growing up, becoming more mature, and having the emotional depth to understand that, hey, it’s not your fault, everybody experiences it one way or another.

The one thing that I take away from it is your self-worth as a dancer because I feel like every dancer ties their self-worth to their ability to dance. That’s who we are. That’s our identity. But then, over time, I realized that Ommi, as a person, has nothing to do with her being a dancer. So I feel like when I realized that, it allowed me to accept myself, my flaws, my imperfections, my strengths, my weaknesses. And because of that, I feel like my dancing improved even more. Something that I tell my students now is don’t give up, keep pushing, be resilient. But at

some point, you have to be realistic and know when to take a pause and be done for the day. Otherwise, you’ll just drive yourself nuts if you keep banging your head against the wall.

What are some common misconceptions about being a professional dancer, and how do you address them?

I think most people assume ballet is so easy and that anybody can do it because dancers always appear on stage so effortlessly. People think it’s just tutus and tiaras, but they don’t know that it’s grinding daily.

What advice do you give to up-andcoming dancers you mentor?

The advice I would give to aspiring dancers is to always dance for yourself. Don’t dance just to please your parents or your teachers, and make sure that the passion really comes from you. Try to develop a good work ethic by listening and retaining teachers’ corrections and then applying yourself in class. Stay disciplined and be consistent with your work by showing up—even on days you don’t feel like it. More importantly, be patient with yourself because dancing at a high level takes time. I feel, with the current trend of dance competitions, young dancers are being asked to do a lot of difficult steps at such a young age; it’s very important for the students to learn to pace themselves. While working hard is a great thing, working smart is even more important for longevity, both physically and mentally. ●

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