Our Academy

Founded in Penang in 1984 by Ms Grace Chew Hooi Teng, Greenapple Ballet Academy has grown from one teacher’s dream into generations of dancers, teachers and performers. For more than four decades, Ms Grace has brought discipline, laughter, musicality and imagination into the studio — and helped her students carry them far beyond it.

When I founded Greenapple Ballet Academy in 1984, my intention was never simply to teach children how to dance. Of course, I want my students to dance beautifully, with strong technique, musicality, exceptional posture and confidence on stage. But after more than four decades of teaching, I believe the greatest value of ballet education lies not only in what students achieve in the studio, but in what they carry with them throughout their lives.

Ballet teaches discipline, grit and perseverance in ways that few activities can. It is physically demanding, mentally challenging and often frustrating. Students may repeat the same movement hundreds of times before mastering it. They learn to accept corrections, pay attention to detail, work through fatigue and persevere when progress seems slow. Talent is valuable, but talent without discipline has its limits. Excellence comes from consistency, patience and the willingness to work hard, especially when nobody is watching. 

I also believe discipline begins with the smallest responsibilities. Arriving on time, dressing appropriately and taking care of one’s own hairnets, hairpins, tights, leotards, shoes and costumes are lessons in independence and accountability. As students grow, they must also balance ballet with schoolwork, examinations, family commitments and other interests. They learn to manage their time, set priorities and understand that enjoying something does not mean neglecting everything else. These seemingly small habits prepare them for much greater responsibilities in life.

Beyond character, ballet provides an exceptional physical foundation. Posture, coordination, balance, flexibility, strength, musicality and body awareness are skills that remain valuable long after formal training ends. Whether students eventually pursue other forms of dance, martial arts, Pilates, yoga or sports, ballet gives them a head start. The ability to observe, remember sequences, respond to instruction and learn new movements efficiently is itself a lifelong advantage. Even if you never dance professionally, I hope you will always carry yourselves with confidence, strength and grace.

This charity concert brings these lessons together. Students must manage their nerves, remember their choreography, follow instructions and work as a team, knowing that one person’s actions affect everyone else. They learn composure under pressure, dependability and consideration for others. More importantly, they discover that their talents can serve a purpose beyond personal achievement. There is satisfaction in doing something well, but a different kind of happiness in knowing that what we do can benefit others. I hope this experience teaches our students that contributing to society can begin with using the skills they already have.

A production of this scale is never the achievement of one person.

To my teachers, thank you for your dedication, patience and commitment to high standards. Teaching is not merely demonstrating steps; it is developing young people, recognising their potential and caring enough to challenge them to improve.

To our parents, thank you for your trust, encouragement and the countless hours spent supporting your children’s training. From driving them to classes and rehearsals to preparing costumes and helping them balance their commitments, your contribution is invaluable. I hope you see not only their progress as dancers, but their growth as individuals.

To our volunteers, thank you for generously giving your time, energy and expertise. From coordinating logistics to managing the many details behind the scenes, your willingness to step forward and take responsibility makes a production of this scale possible.

To the Lions Clubs and our charity partners, thank you for your commitment to serving the community and for giving this concert a purpose beyond the stage. Through our collaboration, our students have the opportunity to understand the value of contributing to something larger than ourselves.

To our sponsors and friends, thank you for your generosity, encouragement and belief in what we are trying to achieve. Your support helps us turn our students’ hard work into something meaningful for others.

And finally, to my students, enjoy your moment on stage and be proud of the work that brought you here. You do not all need to become professional dancers, and that has never been the goal. My greatest hope is that the lessons you learn through ballet will stay with you long after you leave the stage — the discipline to work hard, the courage to face challenges, the resilience to rise after setbacks, and the kindness to care for others.

Above all, I hope you carry yourselves through life’s many ups and downs with the same grace, strength and confidence that you have learned through dance. Because the greatest gift of ballet is not just learning how to dance, but learning how to live.

If ballet has helped prepare you not only for the stage, but for life, then your years at Greenapple will have been time very well spent.

The performance may last only a few minutes. The lessons can last a lifetime.

With love and best wishes, 

Ms Grace Chew Hooi Teng
Principal of Greenapple Ballet Academy
Examiner of Royal Academy of Dance (UK)

1979–1982 — Early Professional Experience

Ms Grace Chew toured Malaysia with the Federal Ballet Group, founded by the late Datuk Lee Lee Lan.

1984 — Founding of Greenapple Ballet Academy

Ms Grace founded Greenapple Ballet Academy in Penang, offering ballet, modern, tap, jazz, aerobics and adult dance. She also attended the Royal Academy of Dance Summer School in London.

1985 — RAD Advanced Examination

Awarded Highly Commended in the RAD Advanced Executant Majors Examination, a rare distinction in Malaysia at the time.

1986 — Professional Teaching Qualifications

Awarded Associate of the Royal Academy of Dance and Associate of the ISTD with Distinction. Also earned Distinctions in ISTD Intermediate Ballet and Advanced Modern.

1990 — A Perfect RAD Score

Coached Ms Stephanie Soon, the first Malaysian RAD Grade 8 student to achieve a perfect score of 100 marks.

1992 Onward — National & International Competitions

Coached students for competitions and workshops including TDS, Ballet West, RAD Dance Challenge, ISTD, IMBGP, TWBT and Short & Sweet.

1994 Onward — Dance Education & Development

Prepared students for RAD and ISTD Malaysian workshops and RAD Summer Schools.

2008–2018 — Developing Future Teachers

Mentored students towards CBTS and RAD teaching qualifications.

2009 — By the Children, For the Children

Dewan Sri Pinang, Penang

A two-night charity concert featuring approximately 220 performers and 18 performance segments. Together with the Lions Club of George Town, Greenapple raised RM50,000 for seven children’s charities.

2013 — ISTD Malaysian Modern Theatre Dance Awards

Coached Junior Division winner Angelique Thum Atienza at the 2013 ISTD Malaysian Modern Theatre Dance Awards.

2013–2018 — Short & Sweet Dance Festival

Ms Grace served as a judge for the Short & Sweet Dance Festival.

2014 — The Joy of Dance!

PenangPAC, Straits Quay | 28–29 June 2014

Greenapple Ballet Academy presented The Joy of Dance! with three scheduled performances at the Performing Arts Centre of Penang.

2017 — Advanced Ballet Achievement

Trained Justin Lim, the first male student to earn Distinctions in both the new RAD Advanced 1 and Advanced 2 examinations. Ms Grace also became certified in Progressive Ballet Technique.

2018 — The Nutcracker Ballet & More!

PenangPAC, Straits Quay | 27–28 November 2018

Greenapple Ballet Academy presented The Nutcracker Ballet & More!, bringing classical ballet and festive storytelling to the stage.

2018 — Black Swan & Last Dance

G Hotel’s Ghost Ball, Penang

Greenapple Ballet Academy presented Black Swan and Last Dance at G Hotel’s themed celebration.

2018 — World Cancer Day Fit-A-Thon

Penang Adventist Hospital

Greenapple dancers entertained participants at a community charity event that raised RM28,843.

2019 — Christmas Performances

Gurney Plaza, Penang

Greenapple Ballet Academy was featured in Gurney Plaza’s festive entertainment programme.

2021 Onward — Mentoring the Next Generation

Trained young assistant teachers and continued professional development, including Cecchetti classical ballet studies.

2022 — Asia Pacific Arts Festival

Ms Grace served as a judge for the Asia Pacific Arts Festival.

2024 — Royal Academy of Dance Recognition

Mentored an RAD Certificate in Dance Teaching candidate. Ms Grace was also invited and auditioned to join the RAD (UK) Panel of Examiners.

2026 — Small Steps, Brighter Tomorrows

TAR UMT Penang | 21–22 November 2026

Greenapple Ballet Charity Concert 2026, jointly organised by Lions Club of Georgetown City and 17 Lions Clubs in Penang.