JAKARTA – Aimee Maryam Dykalaksmi, a young talent from Jakarta, has made a mark by securing a tuition grant from Singapore’s Ministry of Education to continue her studies at the Diploma in Dance, Faculty of Performing Arts, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), University of the Arts Singapore.
This journey is a testament to her dedication, hard work, and incredible spirit in pursuing her dreams in the performing arts.
Born in Jakarta on 22 January 2008, the only daughter of Resdy Benyamin-Ika Nursari will start studying in Singapore in early August 2024. She is looking forward to receiving the best arts education in Singapore.
In a conversation with the media, Aimee said she looks up to Isyana Sarasvati as a role model and idol to learn and pursue a career in the performing arts, given that Isyana is a recipient of the same scholarship at the same university as Aimee.
“My future aspirations after graduating from Singapore are to continue my education in Europe or the United States until my doctorate in the arts and to have a business in the performing arts (music, theater, and dance),” she said.
She also aspires to work in the field of performing arts either on stage as a performer or backstage as someone responsible for the running of the show such as a choreographer, producer, or director.
Targeting University of the Arts Singapore Scholarship
Getting a prestigious scholarship from the University of the Arts Singapore is known to be not easy. However, Aimee prepared well to achieve it.
Since the age of 5, Aimee Maryam Dykalaksmi has shown a deep interest in both music and dance.
She studied classical piano at YPM Music School until she reached the Conservatory Preparatory 2 level under the guidance of Mrs. Ratna Arumasari Katamsi.
In dance, Aimee studied classical ballet under the guidance of Mrs. Ninette Maritya Maghrita, founder of Nimata Dance Work Ballet Academy, until she reached the Advanced 2 level of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD).
She has also been active in figure skating since the age of 7, collecting over 100 medals from various national and international competitions.
In dance, Aimee has won numerous awards at national and international competitions, emphasizing her excellence in classical ballet and contemporary dance.
While in the first year of high school at Global Jaya School, Bintaro, South Tangerang, Aimee began looking for opportunities to continue her studies abroad, particularly in the field of performing arts.
One of her top choices was the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) in Singapore, which is known for its high-quality performing arts programmes.
How did she secure this prestigious scholarship? Aimee briefly recounts the process.
Firstly, she filled out the application form. She then submitted academy transcripts showing consistent academic achievement throughout her studies at Global Jaya School.
“Equally important is to include a portfolio documenting achievements in dance, either in the form of performance videos or award certificates. This portfolio provides a complete picture of my talent and dedication to dance,” says Aimee, whose Instagram account, @aimee.dykalaksmi, already has a large following.
After her initial application was received, she was invited to audition at NAFA. This audition was an important stage in the selection process, where she had to showcase her skills before a panel of judges consisting of professionals in the dance industry. The audition covered various types of dance, including ballet and contemporary dance.
She then performed to the best of her ability, demonstrating outstanding technique, expression, and interpretation. This performance wowed the panel of judges, who ultimately gave a positive recommendation for her application.
Applying Tuition Grant
After being accepted to NAFA, Aimee’s next step was to apply for a tuition grant from Singapore’s Ministry of Education. The tuition grant application process involves several steps: filling out a tuition grant application form and including various supporting documents, such as an acceptance letter from NAFA, academic transcripts, and proof of artistic achievement. These documents help demonstrate that Aimee is a worthy candidate for the tuition.
The next stage was an interview with the selection team to assess her eligibility and commitment to performing arts studies. This interview aimed to understand more about Aimee’s motivations and goals in pursuing an education in the arts.
After a rigorous evaluation process, Aimee was declared eligible to receive the tuition grant. A formal notification was received by her and her family, which included details on the tuition grant amount, duration of the award, and requirements to be fulfilled during the study period.
With this tuition grant, Aimee is set to begin her studies at NAFA in August. She is excited to learn from the best teachers and collaborate with fellow students from around the world.
