The 11-year-old Klang girl was there for The Dance of Asia 2026, an international competition that draws dancers from around the world. It was a chance to show just how far Yoshnaa had come performing in the K-pop style she loves.
It was also her first time competing on an international stage. Back home, she had taken part in several contests, but a win had always remained just out of reach.
That changed during the qualifying round for the contest held in February, during which she clinched gold in the 11-12 age group – a breakthrough that earned her a place on this bigger stage.
Yoshnaa, a pupil of SJK(T) Ladang Highlands, still vividly remembers her earliest onstage experience.
“When I didn’t win my first competition, I was sad. But after that, I told myself that even if I lost, I wouldn’t give up. I would keep going,” she told FMT Lifestyle.
This mindset stayed with her as she made her way to China: she was there not just to compete, but to learn and grow.
Nevertheless, stepping onto an unfamiliar stage came with its share of jitters. “I felt so nervous when I saw the other participants dancing – they were so good,” she said.
Yoshnaa, who had spent about two months preparing for the event, steadied herself. “I overcame my fear by imagining there was nobody out there. I just danced like I was alone, like I was practising.”
Performing a high-energy routine lasting about three minutes, she stayed focused from start to finish. Even when she missed a step, she kept her composure and pushed through.
Then came the moment she had been waiting for. As the results were announced, Yoshnaa expected to win a bronze – but her name was announced for gold in the 11-12 age group.
“I was so happy, I almost cried – but I didn’t lah,” she said with a smile.
The moment was already unforgettable – but there was more. Yoshnaa’s performance also earned her a silver in The Champion of Asia 2026, where top performers from dance, vocals, music and other categories competed.
“I was very happy, but I would be even happier if I got gold,” she added candidly with a laugh.
Still, the experience was about more than just medals – it was a chance to represent Malaysia and discover just how much she was capable of.
According to her mother, Mohanaeswary Balachandar, Yoshnaa’s interest in K-pop dance began when she was about four. Recognising her daughter’s potential, she and her husband, Logenthiran Subramaniam, enrolled her in dance classes a year later.
For Mohanaeswary, an entrepreneur, dance has played a key role in shaping Yoshnaa’s character, especially her discipline and perseverance.
“When I heard her name, I was like, ‘Wow, she won. She made it.’ After six years of effort, we finally saw it pay off,” Mohanaeswary, 41, recalled.
“Even after so many competitions where we didn’t win, it never demotivated us. We kept going.”
It’s a sentiment shared by her father, who could not be in China due to work commitments but supported her every step of the way.
“I felt so emotional watching all her hard work come together. Truly, it was my proudest moment,” said Logenthiran, 42, an assistant superintendent of police based in Melaka.
Mohanaeswary also expressed gratitude to her daughter’s dance teachers, Yee Woan Tyng and Kesavaraj Tanimalai.
Looking ahead, Yoshnaa has no plans of slowing down. “My dream is to go to Korea and win a K-pop dance competition there,” she shared cheerfully.
From walking off stages without a win to standing tall on an international platform, Yoshnaa’s story is a testament to her perseverance – and proof that not giving up can make all the difference.