Dance in Singapore

Dance in Singapore comprises traditional and contemporary forms. It has a relatively short history of creative, artistic and professional dance.

Contemporary dance

Contemporary dance companies

• ECNAD Project, the former Dance Dimension Project, was founded in 1996. It became the first full-time contemporary dance company in Singapore in 1998. A very creative group, ECNAD is known for its site-specific projects and strong visuals.

Training programmes

In the 1990s Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) started Singapore's first full-time Contemporary Dance programme that produced Singapore's own locally trained contemporary dance artists. The programme was headed by Angela Liong and offered an all-rounded dance theory and technique studies including Martha Graham's technique and Dance Improvisation. Some of its ex students have since contributed to the development of Contemporary Dance in Singapore.

Traditional dance

Traditional dance companies

• In May 1980, the National Theatre Dance Company (NTCDC) 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. NTCDC had evolved to become Theatre Arts Troupe in 1992, after National Theatre Trust amalgamated into the National Arts Council.
• Singapore Dance Theatre, a ballet company, took over as Singapore's national dance company acquiring works of foreign well known choreographers and housing mainly young foreign dance talents.

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)

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