Alif Aircho is a name synonymous with energy, creativity, and passion in the performing arts. As a dancer, choreographer, and co-director of the dance studio AK.Kreates, Alif has built a career that thrives on movement, expression, and artistic innovation. Yet, beyond the spotlight and studio, he is also navigating the rewarding and sometimes challenging journey of fatherhood.
Alif Aircho dancing on stage
Recently, Alif has taken a bold step into acting through Berani Lakon!, an acting competition that pushes him beyond his comfort zone. In this candid interview, he shares how he balances his professional ambitions with family life, nurtures his daughter’s growing interest in dance, and embraces new creative challenges.
Balancing multiple roles is no small feat. Our team spoke to Alif Aircho, who wears the hats of a dedicated father, a passionate choreographer, and a business co-director all while exploring new avenues in performance. Together with his wife and business partner, Kayte Willis, Alif leads AK.Kreates with a focus on creativity, mentorship, and inclusion in the arts.
Parenting, he explains, doesn’t stop when the studio doors close. By including his children in his work and modeling a love for dance, he hopes to instill confidence, discipline, and a genuine appreciation for the performing arts. At the same time, stepping into acting has tested him in unexpected ways especially performing in Malay, a language outside his comfort zone. Through it all, Alif shares practical strategies, personal reflections, and heartfelt advice for anyone balancing a creative career with family life.
Alif Aircho and his family
Read on to find out more:
1) As a father, choreographer, and co-director of a dance studio (ak.kreates), how do you prioritise your time and energy across these roles, and what principles guide your work–family balance?
Alif Aircho: Balancing so many roles in my life has never been easy. I make a point of setting aside time for each role, so every part of my life gets a fair share of my attention. Although priorities shift during different phases of my career, when it comes to family, I’ll always stop what I’m doing and be there when needed.
Alif Aircho and his wife teaching dance
2) You run your creative business alongside your wife and co-director, Kayte Willis. How has parenthood influenced the way the two of you collaborate professionally and make decisions as business partners?
Alif Aircho: Switching between business partners and husband and wife has always been a challenge for us. Communication is essential — we remind each other that decisions made as business partners can differ from those made as spouses. We do our best to avoid conflict and find solutions that benefits both the business and our family.
3) You recently stepped into acting through Berani Lakon!. What motivated you to try acting? How has the experience in Berani Lakon! challenged you to grow beyond your comfort zone?
Alif Aircho: I’ve always been curious about what acting would feel like and how well I might do in this medium. My love of entertainment motivated me to give it a try. Even though I felt comfortable in other performance areas, acting brought new challenges and skills I hadn’t encountered before. The Malay language has always been difficult for me because I wasn’t very fluent, but as I progressed through the rounds of Berani Lakon!, I became more confident with the script and used my performance strengths to bring my scenes to life.
4) The performing arts often demand long hours and emotional investment. What stategies have you developed to stay present as a parent while navigating the demands of your profession?
Alif Aircho: I feel incredibly lucky to make a living from dance. I believe that “the more you love it, the more you’ll thrive in it.” Because dance is for everyone, I include my kids in the activities at my studio whenever I can. My oldest daughter, Alika Kayla, is currently very active in competitive and performance-focused hip-hop. She’s a member of our kids’ group, AK Kidz, which recently competed at the UDO APAC Street Dance Championship in Bangkok, Thailand.
5) Your daughter has shown an interest in dance at a young age. How do you encourage her passion while ensuring she grows up with confidence and a healthy relationship with the arts?
Alif Aircho: My wife, Kayte Willis, is the one who takes the lead in nurturing our daughter’s dance training. I truly believe dancing is in Alika’s DNA — she moves like both of us. With the guidance, skills, and values Kayte and I have gained over the years, we hope to pass them on to our children.
6) Looking back on your journey so far, what advice would you offer to parents working in creative or non-traditional careers who are striving to build both a fulfilling family life and a sustainable profession?
Alif Aircho: Let your kids see you at work as a creative professional. I discovered my passion for dance as a child, and I found joy in it from a very young age. If your children can view your work the same way, they’ll better understand your passion and be more likely.
Alif Aircho’s journey demonstrates that a fulfilling life in the performing arts and a meaningful family life are not mutually exclusive they can, in fact, complement each other. By prioritising presence, embracing challenges, and sharing his passion with his family, Alif exemplifies how creative professionals can thrive personally and professionally. His venture into acting is yet another reminder that growth often lies outside our comfort zones, and that curiosity, resilience, and love for both art and family remain guiding lights.
