Leo Cheng Jun Hong
Leo Cheng Jun Hong (Chinese: 郑钧鸿) is an 18-year-old Singaporean ballet dancer who began training at age three and has achieved international acclaim, including selection for the Prix de Lausanne and a Grand Prix at Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP).[1][2]
Leo Cheng Jun Hong | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Native name | 郑钧鸿 |
| Born | 19 July 2007 |
| Alma mater | Zurich Dance Academy Cheng Ballet Academy |
Early life and family background
Leo Cheng Jun Hong was born on 19 July 2007 in Singapore to parents Cheng Hsienfa and Tan Yaling, both former professional dancers with the Singapore Dance Theatre.[2] His parents founded the Cheng Ballet Academy in Bukit Timah in 2006, which has become one of Singapore's most productive dance institutions.[3]
Growing up in a family deeply rooted in ballet, Leo began his dance education at the remarkably young age of three.[4] He fell in love with ballet from the start, later explaining: "I've always loved to receive attention when I dance and show them different emotions through your movements."[4]
Ballet training and education
Early training at Cheng Ballet Academy (2010–2018)
Leo received his foundational ballet training at his parents' academy, Cheng Ballet Academy, from ages 3 to 11. The academy provided him with rigorous training in classical ballet, contemporary dance, character dance, and historical dance under the Russian style.[3]
International training journey
At age 11, Leo left Singapore to pursue elite ballet training abroad, embarking on an international journey that would take him across multiple countries and prestigious institutions.[4] This decision marked the beginning of nearly a decade of training overseas in preparation for a professional ballet career.
Zurich Dance Academy (2018–2025)
Leo trained at the Zurich Dance Academy (TaZ) in Switzerland, where he completed his professional ballet education.[5] At TaZ, he achieved significant milestones, including performing The Nutcracker Grand Pas de Deux for Scalla Basel in 2024 as a representative of the academy, a performance he described as "a memory that will never leave my heart."[4]
Career
Achievements and competitions
Prix de Lausanne 2025
Leo's most significant achievement came when he was accepted to compete at the Prix de Lausanne 2025, one of the world's most prestigious ballet competitions.[4][5] Established in 1973, the Prix de Lausanne attracts more than 1,500 young dancers from over 70 countries annually, with winners receiving full scholarships to top academies such as The Royal Ballet School, Paris Opera Ballet School, and San Francisco Ballet School.[1]
Out of 445 contenders, only 86 dancers were selected to compete, making Leo's selection a remarkable achievement.[2] Leo competed as candidate number 407, performing Don Quixote (Basilio pas de deux) for his classical variation and "Groovin'" for his contemporary piece.[5]
Reflecting on his acceptance, Leo stated: "I will always remember the day I got accepted into the Prix De Lausanne 2025. It was my life goal to participate in the Prix De Lausanne during my youth and to have it accomplished, it made me emotional and grateful for it."[4]
Birmingham Royal Ballet contract offer
Following his impressive performance and training record, Leo received a coveted contract offer from Birmingham Royal Ballet, one of the United Kingdom's premier ballet companies.[2][6] The offer represented a significant milestone for any young dancer, as Birmingham Royal Ballet is known for producing world-class ballet performances and nurturing exceptional talent.
National Service in Singapore
The dilemma
On the same day Leo received the contract offer from Birmingham Royal Ballet, he was informed that he must fulfill his National Service obligations, creating an unprecedented dilemma for the young dancer.[1][7] All male Singaporean citizens and second-generation permanent residents must complete 24 months of full-time National Service before the age of 30, typically in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Singapore Police Force (SPF), or Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).[1]
The timing was particularly challenging as Leo was at a critical juncture in his career. Industry leaders advised deferring the professional leap until after National Service, arguing that a later, uninterrupted peak would be less disruptive than a mid-career break.[1]
Leo's response and decision
Despite the disappointment of having to pause his career at such a crucial moment, Leo chose to prioritize his National Service obligations. Reflecting on the decision, he recalled:[1]
"I was in Switzerland when the NS discussion began, and I won't lie, I was disappointed. Many peers were joining companies or performing solo roles, while I had to return to serve. Still, I chose to stay hopeful and believe I could manage it."
Leo emphasized that National Service is a responsibility he wants to fulfill, stating he is "proud to serve his country while holding on to his dream of returning to the stage after NS."[6]
Concerns about career interruption
Leo's father, Cheng Hsienfa, expressed concerns about the two-year interruption, warning that daily training and muscle memory could wane during the hiatus.[1] This concern is particularly significant in ballet, where dancers require daily practice to maintain technique, flexibility, and strength.
Training adaptations
To mitigate the impact of the career pause, Leo secured special arrangements to continue some level of ballet training during his National Service:[1]
- Weekly ballet sessions: Permission to use the SAF Sports Hall for a 2-hour ballet class every Saturday, supervised by a certified instructor
- Cross-training: Integration of Pilates and strength conditioning into his NS regimen to reduce injury risk when resuming full-time dancing
- Virtual mentorship: Continued mentorship with The Royal Ballet School's alumni via video calls, focusing on pas de deux technique and musicality
- Performance showcase: At the end of his NS term, plans to perform a mini-recital for fellow servicemen
Media coverage
In January 2026, Channel News Asia (CNA) produced a documentary feature about Leo titled "The 18-year-old ballet dancer who put his dream on hold for National Service," which explored his journey through elite dance schools and his decision to serve first.[6]
Leo and his parents also appeared on 8world's "Real Talk No Filter" (有华直说) in early 2026, where they opened up about his ballet journey and what lies ahead for the young dancer.[2]
References/Citations
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 Collins, Marina. "From Prix de Lausanne Star to Singapore National Service: Leo Pauses a Dream Ballet Contract" Archyde, 26 December, 2025. Accessed 21 January 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Lim, Ainslyn. "18-Yr-Old S'porean Ballet Prodigy Received NS Enlistment Notice the Same Day He Landed a Prestigious Ballet Contract" 8days, 26 December, 2025. Accessed 21 January 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "About The Academy" Cheng Ballet Academy. n.d. Accessed 21 January 2026.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 "Leo Cheng" Zurich Dance Academy. n.d. Accessed 21 January 2026.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Prix de Lausanne 2025 - Candidate List" Prix de Lausanne. n.d. Accessed 21 January 2026.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "CNA" Facebook, 12 January, 2026. Accessed 21 January 2026.
- ↑ Lim, Ainslyn. “Singapore dance prodigy, 18, puts prestigious UK ballet plans on pause for National Service” Channel News Asia, 29 December, 2026. Accessed 21 January 2026.