This 68-year-old dance instructor creates a safe space for cancer survivors through pole dancing

In Singapore, more are taking to the pole to express themselves, challenge stereotypes, and build a supportive community where strength and sensuality go hand in hand. Here’s how they are reshaping the narrative.

She spins around the pole and performs various core-intensive poses with flourish. Tan Li Leng is 68 years old – and she’s not letting age stop her from living her best life.

The co-founder of The Rose Diamonds, a pole dance group for breast cancer survivors, sports long, flowy hair and tattoos on her waist and back. The active and vivacious corporate trainer started pole dancing 18 years ago, at the age of 50 – “back when pole dancing was still seen as a ‘sleazy’ sport”, she says.

Despite not being a breast cancer survivor herself, Li Leng is passionate about creating a supportive space for them to heal and restart their lives. She teaches pole dancing every Sunday at The Brass Barre, a studio in Orchard Road.

“In 2004, I was teaching aerobics at the Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF). That was when I first learnt about the pain and trauma survivors go through,” says Li Leng.

“When my friend – who introduced me to BCF – left, along with a few other supporters, we started a new group called the Pink Spartans in 2010.”

At the time, she also began learning pole dancing from another friend, who had opened a pole studio in Singapore. “My friend sponsored the studio space, which was called Bobbi’s Pole Studio back then, at Queen Street. That’s where we held our aerobics sessions,” she recalls.

“We kept bumping into the poles during our aerobics sessions, and thought – since the poles were already there, why not try pole dancing? We raised funds, and organised walks and pole parties to build awareness and community.”

Later, in 2015, Li Leng and her friends formed a new group called The Rose Diamonds. She explains that the name holds meaning: Rose petals are soft, but they have thorns to protect themselves in tough times. Diamonds, on the other hand, can cut through glass.

“So we see ourselves as soft on the outside, but strong on the inside,” she adds.

The group grew to include women who were recovering from other forms of cancer and mental health issues, and that’s when Li Leng realised that The Rose Diamonds had become an informal support group.

“Sometimes, a member would break down during class, crying in a corner halfway through a routine. We would gather around, sit with her, and ask what was wrong. It’s become more than just a dance class; it’s a safe space,” she says.

Their oldest member is 76 years old – and according to Li Leng, many of them are now doing moves most people wouldn’t expect. Li Leng’s own journey wasn’t so different. When she first started, she couldn’t even touch her toes. But now, she performs inverts with confidence.

“I feel strong and empowered every time I learn a new trick that I once thought was impossible,” she says. “You can’t say, ‘I can’t do it.’ You have to say, ‘Not yet.’ Because if you keep going, you’ll get there.”

What drives Li Leng to volunteer with The Rose Diamonds stems from a deeply personal experience. Years ago, a close friend was dying of stomach cancer. Li Leng visited her only once before she passed, unable to bring herself to ask how her friend was feeling.

“Later, when her husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 liver cancer, he told me he wanted me to visit him every week – just to be there,” she recalls.

“That’s when I learnt that sometimes, you don’t need to say anything. Just being present can be the greatest form of support.”

She believes that every person has the inner strength to heal from life’s hardships, but having people around to remind them that they’re not alone can make all the difference.

“We all heal differently. Some people need hugs and reassurance; others prefer to go through it quietly on their own,” says Li Leng.

“In Rose Diamonds, when some survivors are told there might be a recurrence of cancer, it can feel like their whole world is falling apart. That’s when support becomes essential.”

PHOTOGRAPHY Angela Guo
ART DIRECTION Adeline Eng
COORDINATION Chelsia Tan
HAIR & MAKEUP Benedict Choo, using Cle De Peau Beaute