Xin Yi Toh
Xin Yi Toh is a Malaysia-born, Atlanta-based dancer, instructor, and choreographer with a multidisciplinary background spanning Ballet, Ballroom, Latin, Modern, Jazz, and Tap. She began her formal ballet training at the age of three and completed the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Advanced 1 examination, establishing a strong technical foundation that continues to inform her performance and teaching practice.
Xin Yi holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance with a minor in Psychology from Messiah University, where she developed a thoughtful, student-centered approach to movement, artistry, and pedagogy. She currently serves as a full-time Dance Instructor at Fred Astaire Dance Studio, specializing in Ballroom, Latin, and social dance, and has previously taught ballet and ballroom at several professional dance academies in both the United States and Malaysia. Her teaching experience spans early childhood through adult learners, with a focus on building confidence, technique, and artistic expression in supportive learning environments.
As a choreographer and educator, Xin Yi views dance as a powerful medium for storytelling, connection, and self-expression. She is passionate about creating safe, nurturing spaces that encourage curiosity, vulnerability, and creative exploration. Drawing on her international perspective and diverse training, she continues to inspire students and audiences through work rooted in authenticity, freedom, and meaningful human connection.
• Royal Academy of Dance: Advanced 1 (Ballet)
• Cambridge IGCSE
• Messiah University
• Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL)
• Hope Selangor & ElShaddai Centre
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the discipline, resilience, and sense of purpose that dance instilled in me from a young age. Beginning ballet at three taught me how movement can communicate, heal, and transform, shaping both my artistry and my commitment to teaching and service. Combined with my academic training in dance and psychology, and the courage it took to relocate internationally for growth, these experiences continue to guide my work, values, and momentum forward.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to start where they are and use what they have, trusting that consistency will open doors they may not yet see. Dance—and life—teach far more than technique, instilling humility, perseverance, and the courage to keep moving forward even when the path feels uncertain. Your background is not a limitation but a strength, and true success comes not from perfection, but from showing up each day with intention, kindness, and a commitment to growth.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field include financial limitations, the physical demands of dance, and the importance of having sustainable backup plans. These realities have taught me that long-term success requires balancing ambition with practicality—pairing passion with preparation. While dance is demanding, it instills values that extend beyond the studio, and maintaining balance through fitness training, exploring Asian cuisines, and gaming helps me stay grounded and resilient.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are serving others, leading with kindness, and making a positive impact. These principles guide how I teach, connect, and contribute, both inside and outside the studio.