PENANG-born Luvenia Kalia, after pursuing a degree in fine arts in Pennsylvania in the United States, chose to return home to develop her career as a dancer and yoga instructor when the Covid-19 struck.
Prior to that, she had spent about seven years in Singapore, including doing her diploma at Lasalle (College of Arts).
Since Luvenia took up dancing at the age of five at the Temple of Fine Arts in Penang, she has been hooked on it. She later went on to study at the St George’s Girls’ Secondary School.
Now, Luvenia, a 27-year-old of Punjabi-Chinese mixed parentage, is actively involved with the various genres of dance, ranging from ballet, Bharatanatyam to community-based street styles of dance such as hip-hop and others.
In an interview with Buletin Mutiara recently, Luvenia shared her dance journey and dreams.
“When I came back after spending a number of years abroad, I noticed that there are many excellent artists or dancers in Penang.
“But unfortunately, many of their great works and performances are not promoted because of their inability to express themselves or their low-key personality.
“I am concerned about creating opportunities for local artists. Only by constantly creating platforms and opportunities can they increase their confidence and show their talents to the public.
“Compared with other artists or dancers, I would say that I was lucky enough to become a yoga instructor during the pandemic period.
“On top of that, I have the opportunity to work for an Australian company, which promotes art, culture, and heritage.
“This is in line with my passion, as I love to combine local arts, culture, heritage sites, and history, digitalise them and promote them worldwide,” she said.
Talking about digitalisation, Luvenia sings praises of the state government for its Penang2030 Vision of ‘A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation.’
She said digital transformation is closely related to the creative economy as Penang has a lot of room for development in this regard.
“I am glad that the state has started to promote digital transformation as it is a trend of the present and future.
“We will be left behind if there is no transformation effort.
“Digital transformation is utmost important, especially for the younger generation.
“The state’s initiative of launching the Creative Art District recently is a timely boost for every one of us and a remarkable feat,” she stressed.
Besides immersing herself in the arts and dance scene, Luvenia is actively involved in local community work.
“I have been going to the Public Housing Project (PPR) flats in Sungai Pinang to impart my knowledge to the young ones.
“I inculcate in them the importance of creative thinking and educate them on how to express their emotions in the society.
“I hope to nurture more artistic talents in Penang,” she added.
On her plan for the future, Luvenia wants to spend more time with her family.
“I am happy to be back to Penang and be with my family members. Many others are, however, unable to be back due to current pandemic.
“It’s a blessing for me, and I deeply cherish the moments with my loved ones.”
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian and courtesy of Arts-ED (Arts In Community: Projek Seni Gempak 100)