Founded in 2023, Shu-May Dance Company (SMDC) is a contemporary dance theatre company led by Penang-born sisters Ashlynn Edward and Nathalynn Edward Lim. As performers, choreographers, and educators, they are dedicated to creating movement-based work that speaks to the heart and challenges the mind.
SMDC offers more than just dance—it is a space for exploration, dialogue, and transformation. From bold stage works to custom-designed classes and workshops, everything we do is driven by purpose, creativity, and collaboration.
At Shu-May Dance, our vision is “A transformed society through touched souls by moving bodies”
A TRANSFORMED SOCIETY through TOUCHED SOULS by MOVING BODIES
We aim to create thought-provoking artistic work that resonates deeply and connects artist and audience
We seek to inspire a new generation of movers through holistic dance education
We aspire to develop the local arts sphere by making professional dance opportunities accessible to young, budding individuals.
Sister duo Ashlynn & Nathalynn are dancers, choreographers, and dance instructors. Born and raised in Penang, they performed extensively in their youth working with various choreographers including Aida Redza (MY) and Jeth Leang (MY). In 2021, they graduated from Jet Leang Dance Theatre as Company Trainees under full scholarship and went on to co-found Shu-May Dance Company (SMDC) in 2023.
They have choreographed multiple short works including Letters Without (2023), Iguana (2020), Hear (2019) and The Calling of Our Hearts for The Penang Modern Dance Ensemble (Euphoria) which was featured in Georgetown Festival 2019. In 2024, their duet The Souvenir Effect was produced independently by Shu-May Dance Company as its debut production.