Just Dance, the popular online dance game, has transformed from a casual pastime to a global platform for talented e-sports enthusiasts like Siti Zhywee Ramle. This 38-year-old fitness instructor and mother from Singapore is currently making waves as she represents her country in the highly anticipated finals of the 2023 Olympic Esports Series.
Let’s delve into Siti’s remarkable story and explore how she has become a leading figure in the world of virtual dance.
Dancing Towards Success: Siti’s Unexpected Journey
Siti’s involvement in e-sports, especially dance, spans over a decade. However, it was only last year that she decided to wholeheartedly pursue this e-sport. As a busy mother, Just Dance became her source of solace, providing both entertainment and relaxation. Little did she know that her passion for this video game would propel her to the international e-sports stage.
Intrigued by the opportunity, Siti accepted the offer from Ubisoft Singapore, a renowned online game development company, to participate in the prestigious Olympic Esports Series competition.
Olympic Esports Series: The Ultimate Showdown
Image source: UnGeek Facebook page
Siti is among the 17 virtual sports athletes representing Singapore in the 2023 Olympic Esports Series finals. Alongside seven other talented e-sports athletes from France, Brazil, the United States, Finland, India, and Italy, she will compete in the dance category (Just Dance) for the ultimate prize.
The highly anticipated event is scheduled to take place at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday, June 23.
Finding Balance: Juggling Family, Work, and Passion
For Siti, balancing her roles as a full-time fitness instructor, a devoted wife, and a caring mother poses significant challenges. Teaching Zumba, Fight Do, Yoga, and other fitness classes multiple times a day demands tremendous physical energy. Moreover, she must ensure her two children, particularly her special-needs son, receive the attention they need during school vacations.
Image from @zhywee Instagram
To include her family in her training while maintaining quality time with them, Siti involves her five-year-old son, Zhafeer, in her Just Dance practice sessions at home.
With the unwavering support of her husband, family, friends, and students, Siti appreciates the understanding and encouragement she receives throughout her journey. The flexibility of e-sports allows her to stay actively engaged while dancing to her chosen songs and styles within the comfort of her own home.
Defying Stereotypes: Overcoming Ageism in E-sports
As the oldest e-sports player from Singapore, Siti faces critical comments from the online community questioning her participation, suggesting that e-sports competitions are solely for the younger generation.
Image from @zhywee Instagram
Unfazed by the skepticism, Siti remains resilient, aiming to inspire mothers and women of her generation to fearlessly pursue their passions. Her participation in the competition is a testament to breaking stereotypes and raising awareness about e-sports as a legitimate game, sport, and competitive platform.
Aiming High: Siti’s Ambitions and Inspirations
Siti’s aspirations reach beyond personal success. While she strives to match the expertise of previous winners, her ultimate goal is to deliver an exceptional performance that inspires fellow participants and captivates the general public. Through her participation in the Olympic Esports Series, she aims to showcase not only her dancing prowess but also the potential for others to pursue their dreams.
By embodying determination, talent, and a love for Just Dance, Siti Zhywee Ramle has emerged as a shining example of how passion and dedication can lead to remarkable achievements in the world of e-sports. As the Olympic Esports Series draws near, the world eagerly anticipates Siti’s extraordinary performance and the impact it will have on aspiring e-sports athletes, mothers, and individuals of all ages.
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