Dance in Singapore
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Dance in Singapore comprises traditional and contemporary forms[citation needed]. It has a relatively short history of creative, artistic and professional dance. The range of dance reflects the cultural diversity of Singapore.[1]
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[edit] Contemporary dance
- ECNAD was founded in 1996. It became the first full-time contemporary dance company in Singapore in 1998 with a focus on site-specific projects and strong visuals.
[edit] Ballet
- Singapore Dance Theatre, a ballet company, took over NTDC as Singapore's national dance company acquiring works of foreign well known choreographers and housing mainly young foreign dance talents.
[edit] Traditional dance
- In May 1980, the National Theatre Dance Company (NTDC) was formed by National Theatre Trust, upon the successful completion of the dance training programme conducted by prominent Hong Kong instructor, Mr Cheng Shu Jing. The training programme had culminated in a concert, "An Evening of Chinese Dances" being performed on 24th Nov 1979. NTDC had evolved to become Theatre Arts Troupe in 1992, after National Theatre Trust amalgamated into the National Arts Council.
[edit] Training
In the 1990s Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) started Singapore's first full-time Contemporary Dance programme. The programme was headed by Angela Liong and offered all-rounded dance theory and technique program including Martha Graham's technique and Dance Improvisation. Over the years, Dance at NAFA has grown from a fledgling start into an established and reputable department. The Department of Dance has survived and thrived largely because of the capable direction as well as vision of several committed individuals. The initiatives of these individuals, who are respected in Singapore's dance community, have eventually contributed to today's distinctive Diploma in Dance program that combines contemporary Asian and Western performance and creative practices. The Singapore Dance Theatre also provides a training programme for dancers and choreographers.
[edit] Notable pioneer teachers
- Angela Liong (Modern Dance)
- late Tony Llacer (Ballet)
- Boon Teo (Modern - Martha Graham's technique)
- Ong Lay Keng (Modern/Jazz)
- Lim Fei Shen
- Goh Lay Kuan (Ballet/Modern)
- Goh Soo Khim (Ballet)
- late Anthony Then (Ballet)
- Cecilia Hon (Ballet)
- Sylvia McCully (Ballet)
