"I'VE always loved performing and dancing," says dancer and choreographer Aman Yap who's been living his passion for the past 36 years.
Now 56, the dancer will stage his first solo performance, Late Love, at the Damansara Performing Arts Centre (DPAC) from March 8 to 10.
"It's something that I've been pushing back for the longest time. even though this has been one of my dreams," he says with a hint of regret in his voice.
The Covid-19 pandemic and the discovery of a tumour in his liver two years ago was a wake-up call.
"Many people died during the pandemic, including some of my friends. Then I had stage 2 cancer but thankfully I managed to get through that.
"So, the time has come as it's an important milestone for me as a dancer," he says when met recently.
The upcoming show will see him perform four dance pieces that represent different periods of his creative journey.
Titled 'To You', 'Soaring', 'Flow' and 'Late Love', they convey his insights and emotions in the realm of dance.
"'To You' is a tribute to my mother. She died of a stroke at 56 in 1997 while I was working in Hong Kong.
"She was a very tough woman and the pillar of our family, so I want to express my gratitude and love to her through this piece".
'Soaring' showcases Yap's determination to surpass himself and grow through movement and exploring the possibilities of art.
"I'm lucky in my family because I got to explore the outside world after I received a scholarship to study in Hong Kong.
"My family was very supportive of my ambition to become a dancer, so this piece which features a bird that can fly freely with a message for parents to encourage their children to follow their dreams."
'Flow' is a piece about fluidity and change. Through Yap's graceful movements and flowing rhythm, it conveys an understanding that "life is permanently impermanent".
"I like singing too so this one will have me crooning a bit. Here, I play the role of a music idol who on the surface has an outstanding and enviable lifestyle but no one knows what his real life is like behind the enchanting veil of fame and glamour.
"People grow old and stars might fade but it's part of the journey of human life. It's a funny, playful and yet poignant piece".
With 'Late Love', Yap looks at his dance journey, cherishes beautiful memories, bids farewell to his past and looks forward to falling in love with his passion once again.
"Dance has been my life so far, and now that I'm older I still feel like I can fall in love with it once more.
"This dance piece is taken from a segment of a previous modern theatrical production on the story of 'Sidhartha' that I performed a very long time ago.
"It's basically about letting go to break free and have peace of mind".
"When I first performed this, it was a different time and now that I have accumulated so much experience the movements take on a different meaning.
"I feel the significance of dancing this piece, which is very suited to me," says Yap who graduated from the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts with a major in contemporary dance.
He adds that the intimate setting of the DPAC theatre would facilitate a closer connection between the dancer and the audience.
"It's a comfortable and relaxing place for me to meet with the audience and friends as I share my experiences after 36 years of dancing," he says of the dance show, produced by Dua Space Dance Theatre.
For more details on Late Love, visit www.dpac.com.my.