The annual NUSS Sports & Recreation Night, held on 12 April 2025, honoured Ms Ee June Foo as Sportswoman of the Year in recognition of her outstanding performance and dedication to the sport.
Ms June is also a passionate educator with extensive teaching experience across secondary schools, junior colleges, and the Gifted Education Programme. With strong academic credentials from National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU), she specialises in English and Humanities, using real-world themes to make learning engaging and meaningful.
She believes in nurturing both academic skills and values, helping students grow into thoughtful individuals. Outside of teaching, Ms June is active in the NUSS Dancesport scene.
We caught up with her for a short interview to learn more about her journey and experiences.
Congratulations on your outstanding success at the Singapore Open Dance Championship! Could you share what initially inspired you to pursue DanceSport, especially competing at this high level?
Thank you! I began ballroom dancing about ten years ago, simply wanting to enjoy styles like cha cha, rumba, waltz, and tango. But under Mr Lee Qwee Quek’s guidance in NUSS, I grew especially fond of the standard dances—waltz and tango. His mentorship inspired me to join my first competition in 2018, thinking that it would just be a one-time experience. That “one-time” sparked a lasting passion that kept me competing ever since.
How long have you been involved in DanceSport, and what has kept your passion for dancing alive through the years?
I’ve been part of NUSS DanceSport for over a decade and have participated in and represented them at various events over the years. I’m grateful to NUSS, the Cultural Sub-Committee, and my fellow members for their unwavering support and for giving me a platform to pursue my passion. Whether for fun, relaxation, or competition, dancing means something different to everyone. For me, it’s the shared love for dance, the team camaraderie, and the drive to keep improving that fuel my journey. Stepping onto the competition floor—with the lights, music, and adrenaline—it feels like time stands still, and it’s just me and my partner moving with the music.
Winning in multiple categories—including being the champion in the Senior Over 35, Combined Age 70 and Above, and first runner-up in Teacher-Student—requires tremendous discipline and adaptability. How do you train to maintain such versatility?
Competing in dance demands more than just skill—it requires discipline, adaptability, and mental resilience. It also requires precision in timing, footwork, body lines, and musicality, which can only be achieved through hours of dedicated practice, grit, and perseverance. While physical conditioning is essential, the psychological aspect is just as important—the mindset to constantly seek improvement, the determination to practice a step tirelessly without losing passion, and the openness to embrace new techniques and approaches.
DanceSport often relies on synergy with your partner. What role has teamwork played in your journey and success?
Yes, indeed. Standard ballroom is unique as a couple’s dance—often described as “lead and follow,” but in competition, the dynamics are far more nuanced. It’s an equal partnership between a gentleman and a lady; while there are times when the man leads, there are also moments when the lady must initiate her own steps. The beauty of teamwork lies in this dynamic interaction, where both dancers work together to share the expression and energy of the dance, making each and every performance truly captivating to watch.
As Sportswoman of the Year, what does this recognition mean to you personally, and how does it motivate your future ambitions in DanceSport?
I am honoured to receive this prestigious award—it is a testament to my hard work, dedication, and passion. It now serves as motivation for me to keep improving with each competition. This award is not just for me, but also for NUSS DanceSport, and I hope it will inspire more NUSS members to join us on this journey.
Could you describe a particularly memorable or challenging moment during the championship, and how you overcame it?
I still remember the morning of the Singapore Open in November 2024—just before leaving home, I accidentally dropped a heavy thermos that fell on my right big toe. The pain was so intense, and my toe swelled and bruised badly. It hurt so much I honestly thought the entire nail would come off. Though I feared I couldn’t dance, I was determined to give it my best shot, and even if I had to hobble, I would complete my events. I couldn’t let my partner, teacher, or friends down. Amazingly, once on the floor, the pain faded, and I could focus fully on the dance.
Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring dancers or athletes who look up to your achievements in DanceSport?
To quote Mikhail Baryshnikov, the renowned dancer and choreographer: “I do not try to dance better than anyone else. I only try to dance better than myself.”
I find this quote deeply inspiring, as it captures the essence of dance as a journey of personal growth and self-actualisation. Embracing this mindset makes the experience more fulfilling, allowing us to focus on personal expression and the pure joy of movement.
