Founder of the Urban Groove dance school, Joel Tan knows his way on the dance floor. He was appointed as the official instructor to choreograph and teach the Dentyne Confidance Movement dance for the competition and workshop and is among the panel of Judges for the Dentyne Confidance Movement Grand Finale happening on the 7th of August in Sunway Pyramid! Campus Plus had the chance to chat with Joel and here’s what he had to say!

Tell us about your background in dance, how did it all start?
It started in high school around 93’ 94’, it was initially pure curiosity, wanting to be cool and I wanted to get some moves to impress the girls – that was in the very early stage. Then it just stuck with me year after year from high school, form 6 to college and to work. I just kept on wanting to know more and it developed into a passion and in the end it all came down to forming a dance school.

You graduated in Biology and Chemistry, did you pursue anything related to that?
Yes I graduated from TAR College but I didn’t exactly pursue anything related to that field. I did have a short stint working for my uncle but I was already teaching dance part time then

Are you the only dancer in the family?
I wouldn’t know, maybe my mum, dad or sister can too! *laughs*

Who’s your favourite dancer and why?
Commercially I think Michael Jackson is the best. He’s the best living performer. As for other dancers, there’s just too many for me to shortlist.

What would you be doing if you weren’t dancing?
If I wasn’t dancing I’d probably be doing something with fitness

Since you brought up fitness, how important is eating healthy when it comes to being a dancer?
Not only is fitness and eating healthy important for dancing, it’s important regardless and varies according to how physical the activity you’re getting to is. For dancing, it depends on how extreme you want to go with your dance – then fitness comes into play, also you have to have a very sound knowledge on food and nutrition or you won’t be able to benefit the most from it.