Here is the first of the two-part series, I Am Destined To Move! — Part 1.
In the concluding part of this article, we dive deeper into Aidwina’s movement journey and how she built an online dance community during the recent Movement Control Order (MCO).
Amidst the diagnosis and pain of lupus, Aidwina found her silver lining while working at a library in Perth. During her engagement as a storytime host at the local park, she chanced upon an advertisement for an adult-centric ballet class.
“When I walked into class, the teacher exclaimed, ‘It’s storytime girl!’”, as she had recognised Aidwina from her sessions at the park.
“I planned to just watch the class, but I ended up standing at the barre and moving through ‘port de bras’ effortlessly.”
What was thought to be lost had returned at that moment through muscle memory.
“She (the teacher) made everything so exciting and special. I felt safe. There were no mirrors, only a barre made by her husband, along with a group of ladies that wanted to dance.”
During this time, Aidwina was introduced to reformer pilates by a Perth-based Malaysian instructor. After two years as a student, what remains with her until today is the importance of breathing.
“She taught me to slow down — I didn’t realise (that) while I was moving, I wasn’t really breathing (properly).”
After graduation, she returned to Malaysia and started fresh. As most studios catered to younger students, finding a ballet community for adults proved to be a challenge.
“Returning to my old studio felt different. My friends were no longer there and there was an age gap.”
Although she eventually found a ballet class for adults, it was short-lived.
“I needed a new avenue, so I jumped into the unknown and started coaching gymnastics — I wanted to give back, do something for Sarawak.”
That was when she came upon a novel premise — ballet techniques could help gymnasts refine their skills. This collaboration of gymnastics and ballet invigorated Aidwina and sparked her passion for teaching.
For someone who understands the weight and brevity of life, Aidwina stayed true to her calling. She continues to inspire her students, as well as others, through her online platform.
During the CMCO, she pivoted and started to teach barre and ballet classes online to her university students, who became her first focus group.
“They were so eager to learn, and I was surprised that the guys wanted to join as well.”
Although none of her students has a background in dance, they did possess an inclination to try.
If you visit her Instagram page today, @balletfiness_aidwina, you’ll see over 200 posts where she shares short, 5- to 10-minute barre exercises during her lunch breaks.
In most instances, returning home to Malaysia would mean the loss of opportunities abroad. Aidwina’s story is proof of the contrary. Her return revealed a self-evident truth — that she did not need anyone’s approval to dance.
“Life is short — that’s my motivation. I made a promise to my late husband: to live this life adventurously. While I can (still) move, I will keep moving. I do it for me (because) dance will always be home.”
For Aidwina, home will always be the barre.
