Xiao Ying graduated with an Honours in Psychology at the National University of Singapore, and spent 10 years working with children with autism. She later on pursued her Masters’ in Guidance and Counselling, and served as teacher-trainer for 2 years before taking a career break. The break provided an opportunity to explore music and movement, and to grow in an area she had been passionate about – to benefit the community through the arts.
 
Ying had been actively dancing during her teaching years, and found it to have benefitted her physically, emotionally and socially. In addition to her training in contemporary dance and contact improvisation, she has attended numerous workshops in Dance Movement Therapy / Dance Movement Approaches, music education (Kodaly, Dalcroze) and music facilitation (Community Drum Circles, Developmental Community Music, Rhythm2Recovery, Alive With Music!). These have equipped her to empower members of the community in movement activities and music-making regardless of background.

Ying has also been active in Playback Theatre – an improvisational form of theatre that provides a safe space for telling, listening and acting of personal stories to build community. Her combined experience in teaching and different forms of improvisational arts makes her adept at tailoring her activities to suit groups and individuals with varying needs.