ABOUT SINGAPORE BALLET

Singapore Ballet was founded as Singapore Dance Theatre in 1988 by Goh Soo Khim and Anthony Then. In 2002, SDT was honoured with the opportunity to grace the official opening of the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay with the opening performance of Boi Sakti’s Reminiscing the Moon. Singapore Ballet continues to have the privilege of performing in a world-class performing arts venue, exhilarating audiences with a myriad of repertoires.

As Singapore's premier ballet company comprising of 38 Company dancers plus apprentices, the Company performs six seasons annually with three full ballet performances at the stage of Esplanade Theatre. The highlights of the Company’s annual performance season include the widely popular outdoor dance event – Ballet Under the Stars at the Fort Canning Park, two full length classics, Masterpiece in Motion which brings together three works of the finest international choreography, as well as Passages Contemporary Season. The company also presents Made in Singapore through the choreographic workshop, where budding choreographers build on developing choreographic language through a sense of exploration.

The Company’s repertoire ranges from classical to contemporary ballet, from renowned choreographers like Choo-San Goh, George Balanchine, Kinsun Chan, Val Caniparoli, Ma Cong, Edmund Stripe, Natalie Weir, Edwaard Liang, Nils Christe, Toru Shimazaki, Christina Chan, Timothy Harbour, François Klaus, Timothy Rushton, Pam Tanowitz and Loughlan Prior.

In 2008, Janek Schergen was appointed Artistic Director. Under his leadership, the Company has made new achievements in the international and Singapore dance arena. In the last 15 years, the Company has added multiple new productions to its repertoire. This includes 41 world premieres, 20 company premieres, and numerous revivals of the Company's existing repertoire.

In 2013, Singapore Ballet moved to a new premise in Bugis+ with four state-of-the-art studios. Additionally, the Company will be enhancing efforts in education and outreach, bringing the appreciation of dance to a wider audience in Singapore.

International Touring

Singapore Ballet has captivated audiences in Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Mexico, China, Australia, France, United States, London, Laos, and Switzerland. The Company has taken part and performed in numerous international festivals and events, such as Le Temps d’Aimer la Danse a Biarritz in France, Mexico’s Festival Internacional Cervantino, Chang Mu Arts Festival in Korea, Philippines Festival of Dance, and was part of the Victorian Arts Centre’s Made to Move subscription series.

Singapore Ballet tours to Malaysia and Penang annually, and has seen a growth in its dedicated support to the company. Through the invitation of Sadlers Wells, the Company has also performed at London’s Singapore season at the Peacock Theatre. Seen to be a little Asiatic gem, “the Company’s strength lies in a seamless transition between strong classical technique and contemporary movement.” said Graham Watts of Ballet. Co magazine. Stephanie Burridge of Ballet Dance (UK) highlighted that “The Company is versatile, talented and disciplined… the breadth of the repertoire takes them internationally beyond Singapore’s shores but their sensibility is undeniably Asian; underpinned by a strong local foothold and empathy.”

Arts Education Programme and Outreach

Singapore Ballet has been a recipient of the National Arts Council’s Major Grant since 2000. As a major grant recipient from the Singapore government and in keeping with Singapore Ballet's commitment to bring the finest in dance to the public audience, on-going Education and Outreach programmes such as Dance Appreciation Series (jointly presented with Esplanade Co.) and One @ the Ballet (a monthly in-studio presentation) are organised to provide people with the opportunity to appreciate dance.

Singapore Ballet has also created the Scholars Programme which is designed to be a pre-professional training programme for student dancers who are seriously interested in the pursuit of a professional dance career. The Intensive Ballet Programme was also organised to allow students to partake in a full day of dance intensive training. Singapore Ballet also offers special courses for beginners and adult students. These efforts aim to make dance more accessible to the masses. Singapore Ballet hopes to spread the beauty, passion, and discipline of dance to as many people as possible, and place Singapore in the minds of international dance aficionados.

16 – 19 March 2023

16 & 17 March, 8pm 18 March, 3 & 8pm

19 March, 3pm & 7pm

Esplanade Theatre

TICKETS: $45, $65, $85, $100

From Kitri’s nifty footwork to striking lifts, this dazzling and humorous ballet sets out on a series of chivalrous acts, whimsical twists, and proof that love conquers all. Don Quixote is a glittering showstopper, with sensational choreography and a stunning cast of toreadors, flamenco dancers, and dryads. Set in bustling Spain, Don Quixote tells a story of love, betrayal, and eternal devotion written by Miguel de Cervantes. Kitri has fallen in love with Basilio, a poor young barber. However, Kitri’s father has every intention on marrying her off to the wealthy fop, Gamache. In Kitri and Basilio’s attempt to run away, they meet Don Quixote, an old knight, and his faithful companion, Sancho Panza.

Performed to the spirited score by Ludwig Minkus, with resplendent sets and costumes by Bruce McKinven and atmospheric lighting by Adrian Tan, Don Quixote is a multi-sensory fiesta that offers an endless spectacle.

Don Quixote was first performed in 2014, which received the “Best Premiere” in Dance Europe Magazine’s 2015 awards listing and was restaged in 2016 and 2019. It has since been established as one of the “jewels in the crown” that we possess, and a ballet of the greatest joy and artistic sophistication to offer our audiences.

15 – 18

June 2023

11am & 2pm

SOTA Studio Theatre

TICKETS: $35

School’s out and it’s time to celebrate at Peter & Blue’s Birthday Party! Bring along your party hats as we cheer and clap along to the adventure of Peter, his dog, Blue, and his cat, Calico.

This witty and fun ballet will spark imagination in children with its cheery brilliance and playful storyline. With incredibly eye-catching and fun costumes at play, this hour-long ballet features engaging live story-telling and whimsical choreography that will ignite wonder and excitement in the little ones.

Peter and Blue’s Birthday Party is part of a four-part ballet series, created by Janek Schergen, as a performance for the young ones to enjoy in the theatre.

“Experiencing the arts can never start too early, and an appreciation of movement, music, and spectacle can lead us into wonderful realms of possibility.”

– Janek Schergen (Artistic Director, Singapore Ballet)

Be sure to get your tickets early as seats are limited. (Recommended for children of ages 2 and above)

SPECIALLY FOR KIDS

14 – 16 July 2023

14 & 15 July, 8pm

16 July, 3pm

Esplanade Theatre

TICKETS: $45, $65, $85, $100

You are cordially invited to our Anniversary party!

As the company celebrates its 35th year as Singapore’s premier ballet company, we are ecstatic to commemorate it with a brand-new ballet by Tim Rushton^, along with the company premiere of Configurations by Choo-San Goh, and the return of Chant by Val Caniparoli.

35 years is a mark of maturity, and we are proud to be able to stage these momentous ballets that are significant to the development of the Company. This triple bill of international repertory is a representation of the diversity and depth of the company, and marks the history, strength, and dreams of Singapore Ballet.

^Sponsored by the Artistic Director’s Fund.

1 – 3 September 2023

8 – 10 September 2023

7.30pm Fort Canning Green

TICKETS: $45

It’s a picnic and ballet party out at the legendary Fort Canning Green! There’s nothing quite like taking an evening out to relax and unwind with a picnic under the stars and exquisite ballet on stage. It is time to breathe a little, we welcome you to experience ballet in a whole new way.

A classical spectacle awaits as the night sky falls upon three remarkable ballets – Momentum and Schubert Symphony by Choo-San Goh, and Paquita staged by Artistic Director Janek Schergen.

While the second weekend presents three iconic and breath-taking contemporary works – Quiver by Tim Rushton, Purcell Pieces by Nils Christe, and 4Seasons by Natalie Weir.

Get tickets to both weekends of Singapore’s favourite outdoor ballet performance and savour an evening of classical and contemporary works under the shimmering stars.

3 – 5 November 2023

3 November, 7.30pm

4 & 5 November, 3pm & 7pm

SOTA Studio Theatre

TICKETS:

$45 (SISTIC fees apply)

Staged in an intimate setting, Passages Contemporary Season 2023 will see a triplebill performance by three women choreographers. The line-up will include two brand new works by Natalie Weir and Alice Topp (who will be choreographing for the company for the first time), along with the restaging of The Third Reset by Christina Chan.

From powerful and passionate moments to eclectic music and movements, Passages truly sets itself apart from all our other performances. Be sure to get your tickets early as seats are limited.

BNP Paribas is the Presenting Sponsor for Passages 2023.

14 – 17 December 2023

14 & 15 December, 8pm

16 December, 3pm & 8pm

17 December, 3pm & 7pm

Esplanade Theatre

TICKETS: $45, $65, $85, $100 (SISTIC fees apply)

The brand-new production of an all-time favourite fairy-tale classic – Cinderella, will take us from a magnificent ball to the midnight’s bell, where it will culminate into one massive magical ballet.

A story that awakens child-like wonder, this ballet is formed by a tapestry of enthralling beauty and enchanting romance that will find its home in the hearts of many.

Choreographed by Artistic Director Janek Schergen to the soaring music by Russian composer, Sergei Prokofiev, which will be played live by the Metropolitan Festival Orchestra, this timeless creation of Cinderella will be a part of our repertoire for decades to come. We have a world-class Singaporean creative team behind this joyous celebration, with the resplendent costumes designed by Leonard Augustine Choo, and the majestic sets by Eucien Chia.

This production of Cinderella is sponsored by the Ambassadors Circle 2023, and the Orchestra is supported by the donors of the Orchestra Fund.

PENTAS 1, klpac

DATE & TIME: 14 & 15 APRIL 8PM

16 APRIL 2PM

TICKET PRICE: RM70

TICKETING WEBSITE:

WWW.CLOUDJOI.COM

*For concession and bundle purchases, WhatsApp us at +6018 227 7212 for more information

Schubert

21 April 2023 Capitol Theatre

This fund-raiser will hopefully provide much needed funding for the Company’s sustainability and development as we develop our artistic strength in Singapore and internationally, including a brand-new classical production of Cinderella which will be staged this December at the Esplanade Theatre.

To support Cinderella, visit www.giving.sg/singaporeballet/cinderella

Thank you so much for your kind support towards Singapore Ballet, we are truly grateful for you.