SDT 2021 Season Booklet

VISION/MISSION

Our Vision

Singapore Dance Theatre is an ambassador for dance and for Singapore – bridging any divides and differences to establish resonance for both practitioners and audiences through quality performances and engaging educational and outreach activities, thereby strengthening the appreciation and love for dance as an art form.

Our Mission

To be an internationally well-regarded professional dance company that is known for its unique ability to shine in classical, neo-classical and contemporary repertoire, with works that are timeless and inspiring.

Patron

Dr. Tony Tan (Patron since 2002)

Founders

Mr Anthony Then

Ms Goh Soo Khim

Board Members

Mrs Laura Hwang (Chairperson)

Mr Edward D’Silva

Mr Michael Hwang

Mr Daniel Teo

Mr Lee Lung-Nien

Mr Kevin Cheok

Ms Paige Parker

Mr Eduardo Ramos-Gomez

Mr Paul Ng

Mr Lee Suan Hiang

Director Emeritus

Ms Goh Soo Khim

Coppelia

Coppelia

Linea Adora by Timothy Harbour

Serenade by George Balanchine.

Incomparable Beauty by Ma Cong

Jabula by Natalie Weir

ABOUT

THE SEASON

Dance From Within

Dance From Within, is a carefully chosen response to the community and the Company’s commitment to inspire, unite and persevere through the toughest of times.

Coppélia

A Charming and Comical Ballet

Peter and Blue’s School Holiday

A Ballet for Children

Masterpiece in Motion

33rd Anniversary Season

Ballet Under the Stars

Dine and Dance with Us

Passages Contemporary Season

Festival of New Works

The Nutcracker

A Christmas Ballet beloved by all

Dance is and always has been a salve for many. In times of peril, it offers us inspiration, joy, comfort and healing. Last year was no doubt a challenge, when our dance community was thrown into a state of limbo with performances and events cancelled indefinitely. Singapore Dance Theatre’s (SDT) 33rd anniversary season, Dance From Within, is a carefully chosen response to the community and the Company’s commitment to inspire, unite and persevere through the toughest of times. Season 2021 will present two seasons with live music by the Metropolitan Festival Orchestra, at the Esplanade Theatre. Anticipate the delightful and comical ballet, Coppélia by Arthur Saint-Leon in March, and the most beloved Christmas classic, The Nutcracker staged by Janek Schergen, in December.

Be prepared to relish in the rich artistry of the Company’s five premieres in Season 2021. SDT will be presenting a World Premiere by Timothy Rushton and a Company Premiere of Ibsen’s House by Val Caniparoli at Masterpiece in Motion; as well as four World Premieres at Passages Contemporary Season by Timothy Harbour, Natalie Weir and for the first time ever in Singapore, Loughlan Prior and Ezikiel Oliveri.

Returning in June is a captivating brand-new children’s ballet choreographed by Janek Schergen, Peter and Blue’s School Holiday. Savour the classical and contemporary works at Ballet Under the Stars in July.

As Singapore’s premier professional dance company, SDT is an ambassador for dance and for Singapore. Bridging any divides and differences to establish resonance for both practitioners and audiences through quality performances as well as engaging educational and outreach activities, SDT constantly seeks to strengthen the appreciation and love of dance as an art form.

Since being founded in 1988 by Goh Soo Khim and Anthony Then, SDT has taken on the mantle of developing the depth and breadth of dance in this nation and region. With 32 years of history behind us, we are deeply rooted in our heritage but are constantly evolving for the future. With an unwavering consistency in our artistic development, SDT has grown and received international acclaim for its brilliance and skill in classical and contemporary works.

The Artistic Director

MESSAGE FROM JANEK SCHERGEN

Udi ut perunt endae dis dem expe eossustio qui occaecte dolorem et a volent qui doles volorio consequunt dolument.

It, sitiis demoluptatur archilliquis inctatum ute eum res sus. Ribust volumque name eic tectest labo. Cus aliquodipid quae. Namus unt labor reperer cidelec taquuntio corpost ulparibus quaes plit ipsapedi inum que nullabo. Ut as porem doles quam alici rae quiberovit laut verumquiae lata di sunt electatur sed ullabo. Am soluptate volo quam non provitem num doluptate venderi onetur audam ut et vitiur?

Ovid es sitium atus ducias ad est, omnis millest, nossit officium quo tent aut et aut quo que endigniam, ium restiae prenimus delecatus dic to id maio con cumque magnatusda dolupta nosapienim quo mi, comnietus eiundae con enis eossimodipsa sint occatum ini reperrum eos et quiandaepro ipsunt etur magnim reperch illabor re cullit, omnia volecum nihitius id quiandi sitia quiducimin pedit inulluptas minis ipid qui officipsa voluptatur? Quaectatur, officiisquis mo mi, corro que laborrum fugitium et, omnimet audi rendi dis doluptata volum re eveni demquam ea doluptiur, sende peditat iberem autem quia eos quunt, seculpa rciduscitae pa di net velendandi dolor molorernatin nones miliam quis audignatur, officim poruptatem fugiae natus ma con eum volupta temodia qui aut abo. Itat quunt aut reptatquate etur serspistis aspernat fuga. Nem et quam recte volupta tibuscime cuptiam rehendam quaeptatur,

simpor molorio ribusciis simenectium ut rerovit, sin nonseque et lacea sit, eostiostia seque et estia sendam, a dolorpo sanisqui debitiis ma int dollentibus.

Necaerrum sim inis modio con nis expernati nest, aut omniet aut aut molendam, sequia dit quideli quiduntem im endi acepers perspel millupt ustectaero te velectem invel et voluptae suntiati blandit vit, sinihit, santore perunt hicae. Upta nobis dolorepernam rerrum qui simagnatibus conseribusa se la culpa nulparuntiae dolor ma perior aut et ius nonsed quia aut voluptatur, apit, in por aborece resequi ut proribus cor sequid et es alibus, senet ullenetur?

Apienes doloreic torum acearum, ut optateturi sunt, con nostiorro dolor as dollacc aepres ut debit qui rat acerovitatio quiduciducia volut faccus et exceaquos volupta conectur, totaquis aceris veles minverumque eaque volessimus niam anda consenis et venduntore volo maiore ex enderrorio bea nonsequam, omnimagnat. Et dolupid maximpedit occabor eperro blacia et, con essimol uptiorp orendi omnihit, quia corecti ossequi cus molum, sequam explant audis sincitiunto eum venimporpor sae paruptatum aut eum velictore maximi, simus quis erum earum que parum cone non non exceaque odit aborerumquas sant eris et ut et ad

ABOUT SINGAPORE DANCE THEATRE

Singapore Dance Theatre (SDT) was founded in 1988 by Goh Soo Khim and Anthony Then. The Company has since developed into Singapore’s premier professional dance company comprising of 35 Company dancers plus apprentices. 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. SDT continues to have the privilege of performing in a world-class performing arts venue, exhilarating audiences with a myriad of repertoires.

In the course of each year, the Company performs six seasons annually, with three full ballet performances at the stage of the Esplanade Theatre. The highlights of the Company’s performance season each year include the widely popular outdoor dance event – Ballet Under the Stars at the Fort Canning Park, two full length classics, and also Masterpiece in Motion which brings together three works of the finest international choreography, as well as Passages Contemporary Season.

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

In 2008, Janek Schergen was appointed Artistic Director of SDT. Under his leadership, the Company has made new achievements in the international and Singapore dance arena. In the last ten years, the Company has added 31 world premieres and 19 company premieres to the repertoire, in addition to numerous revivals of the existing Company’s repertoire.

International Touring

Singapore Dance Theatre has captivated audiences in Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Hong Kong, Mexico, China, Australia, France, United States, London, Zurich, Bangkok and most recently Laos. The Company has taken part and has 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. SDT tours Kuala Lumpur and Penang annually, and has seen a growth in its dedicated support to the company. Through the invitation of Sadlers Wells, SDT has also performed at London’s Singapore season at the Peacock Theatre. Deborah Weiss of Dance Europe reviewed Don Quixote as “All the choreography for the toreadors is explosive. There is no let up in the pace-and the technical requirements for each of them are never less than challenging. One of the most satisfying elements of the first act is that the corps de ballet are so musically accurate, accenting the wonderful punctuation in the Minkus’ score.”

Alison Kent from Dance Europe reviewed SDT’s 30th Anniversary performance ‘… with all thrity-two members of the ensemble engaged in producing a formidable display of design and structure. It looks very academic, with a strong classical vocabulary executed with razor-sharp precision in uniform dress for both male and female…’

Arts Education Programme and Outreach

Singapore Dance Theatre is 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 SDT’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. SDT 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. SDT also offers special courses for non-dancers and adult students. These efforts aim to make dance more accessible to the masses. SDT 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.

COPPÉLIA

A Charming and Comical Ballet

4 – 7 March 2021

4 & 5 March | 8pm

6 March | 1pm and 8pm

7 March | 1pm and 7pm

Esplanade Theatre

TICKETS:

$40, $60, $80 (SISTIC fees apply)

Return to the theatre with Coppélia, the most enchanting and comical ballet in history, a light-hearted ballet that sparks joy from within and leaves you tickled in your seats.

Coppélia is based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann, this three-act ballet tells the light-hearted story of the mysterious Dr Coppélius who owns a beautiful life-sized mechanical doll, Coppélia. A village youth named Franz, betrothed to the beautiful Swanilda becomes infatuated with Coppélia, not knowing that she is just a doll. The magic and fun begin when Swanilda disguised as Coppélia springs to life!

With original choreography by Arthur St. Léon, Coppélia is restaged for Singapore Dance Theatre. Be enthralled by this magical production that is set to a ballet libretto by Charles Nuittier, with music by Léo Delibes.

PETER & BLUE’S SCHOOL HOLIDAY

A Ballet for Children

10 – 13 June 2021

11am and 2pm

SOTA Recital Studio

TICKETS: $30

(SISTIC fees apply)

A brand-new children’s ballet, Peter & Blue’s School Holiday will spark imagination in children with its cheery brilliance and playful storyline. The hour-long ballet features engaging live story-telling and whimsical choreography that will ignite wonder and excitement in the little ones.

Join the ever-inquisitive Peter, his dog, Blue, and his cat, Calico, as they frolic at the sandy beach and greet the friendly animals at the zoo. Peter and Blue’s School Holiday is part of a four-part ballet series, created by Janek Schergen, as a performance for the young ones to enjoy in the theatre.

Children will get to participate in a meet-and-greet with the dancers and photo taking session with them after each performance.

“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 Dance Theatre)

(Recommended for children of ages 3 and above.)

BALLET UNDER THE STARS

Dine and Dance with Us

Savour the evening of classical and contemporary works at Ballet Under the Stars, as you discover the wonderment and grace of dancing from within.

2 – 4 July 2021

9 – 11 July 2021

7.30pm

Fort Canning Green

TICKETS: $40 (SISTIC fees apply)

Ballet Under the Stars is the annual performance at the lush greenery of Fort Canning coupled with a picnic spread and a social evening.

The most perfect classical weekend awaits you with George Balanchine’s iconic works – Serenade as well as Theme and Variations, and Paquita by Marius Petipa.

Be completely floored by the contemporary weekend as we present to you, Edmund Stripe’s Piano Concerto No. 2, Nils Christe’s Symphony in Three Movements, and Edwaard Liang’s Opus 25.

A ballet carnival awaits you as you take a step into discovery the world of ballet. Come early and treat yourself to sweet savoury popcorn, fluffy candy floss, and an icy cold ice cream. If fun is in your books, then step forward and stand to win attractive prizes at our carnival game stalls!

MASTERPIECE IN MOTION

33rd Anniversary Season

6 & 7 August 2021

8pm

Esplanade Theatre

TICKETS: $40, $60, $80

(SISTIC fees apply)

Committed to inspire, unite and persevere, SDT is humbled to celebrate its 33rd Anniversary Season as the premier professional dance company in Singapore.

Revel in the company’s artistic eminence this season as it brings to the stage three remarkable works. Opening the evening is the World Premiere of Quiver by Timothy Rushton, followed by the highly anticipated Company Premiere of Ibsen’s House by Val Caniparoli, as well as the restaging of the awe-inspiring Organ Concerto by Nils Christe.

PASSAGES CONTEMPORARY SEASON

5 – 7 November 2021

5 November | 7.30pm

6 November | 3pm and 7.30pm

7 November | 3pm and 7pm

Esplanade Theatre Studio

TICKETS:

$35

Festival of New Works

Passages Contemporary Season will feature four brand new World Premieres by visionary and genius Choreographers – Timothy Harbour, Natalie Weir, and for the first time in Singapore, Loughlan Prior and Ezikiel Oliveri.

Immerse yourself in the Festival of New Works where creativity and inspiration hold no boundaries, and the ambitious dance world comes alive. Staged in a black box theatre, be sure to secure your tickets early.

THE NUTCRACKER

9 – 12 December 2021

9 & 10 December | 8pm 11 December | 1pm and 8pm 12 December | 1pm and 7pm

Esplanade Theatre

TICKETS: $40, $60, $80

A Christmas Ballet

Join young Clara on her adventures as the beautifully crafted Nutcracker doll from Dr Drosselmeyer comes alive and transforms into a handsome prince. Waging a battle with the fierce Mouse King and the army of mice with grand bravura, the Prince emerges victorious with Clara’s help. She is then whisked off on a magical journey to the magnificent Land of Snow and the enchanting Kingdom of Sweets, where she meets the Snow Queen and the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Based on a story by E.T.A Hoffmann, and with additional choreography and staging by Artistic Director Janek Schergen, The Nutcracker is set to some of the world’s most vibrant and iconic tunes by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. This enchanting ballet features a breath-taking costumes and spectacular sets by local designer Aaron Yap, as well as characters that will dance their way into your hearts!

Join us at one of the world’s most beloved holiday celebrations and create joyous memories with loved one this year!

THE MOON AND STARS

With our eyes set on the future of Singapore’s arts scene, The Moon and The Stars (TMATS) Gala is Singapore Dance Theatre’s (SDT) most glamorous annual fundraising event. The evening seeks to share a little bit of our heart and lives at SDT, and to encourage and appreciate the continuous support of all our donors and friends. It is because of our donors’ generous kindness that the company can be where she is at today. Every gala presents a unique experience of watching the dancers in an up-close and personal setting, along with a delightfully sumptuous dinner, everyone is welcomed to this elegant and fun evening. Guests are also welcomed to network and connect with other VIPs present, as well as company dancers from SDT.

Presidential Table $20,000

Diamond Table $15,000

Pearl Table $10,000

Details: 29 March 2021

Capitol Theatre 7pm – 10pm

Dress Code: Black Tie

Theme: TBC

Contact us at marketing@singaporedancetheatre.com for more information or to make a donation

Our dancers are from Singapore, Japan, Australia, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, France, UK and many more

An Average of 45

7

dancers

Today 40 Hrs

35 Full-Time Company Members plus six apprentices

At least 1,500 pairs of pointe shoes and ballet flats are worn annually

40 hours of classes and rehearsals every week performances annually

More than 500 sets of costumes are used every year

The company started with 7 full-time

COMPANY PHOTOS

PRINCIPALS

(L-R): Etienne Ferrère Kenya Nakamura Kwok MinYi Chihiro Uchida

SOLOISTS DEMI-SOLOISTS

Standing (L-R): Satoru Agetsuma Huo Liang Kensuke Yorozu Jason Carter

Sitting (L-R): Chua Bi Ru Elaine Heng Akira Nakahama

Not in photo: May Yen Cheah

Sitting (L-R): Yeo Chan Yee Kana Minegishi Nanase Tanaka Beatrice Castañeda

COMPANY PHOTOS

ARTISTS

Standing (L-R):

Jasper Arran Jeremie Gan Reece Hudson Justin Zee Shan Del Vecchio

Timothy Ng Ivan Koh Reo Mizuno Takeaki Miura

Sitting (L-R):

Stephanie Joe Valerie Yeo Tamana Watanabe Mai Suzuki Ma Ni

Marina Yatsushiro Leane Lim Jessica Garside Henriette Garcia

Not in photo: John De Dios

APPRENTICES

Standing (L-R):

Sayaka Yamauchi Erivan Garioli Ma Xiaoyu

Sitting (L-R):

Felicia Er Esen Thang Reiko Tan

PRODUCTION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Artistic Team

Artistic Director

Ballet Master

Principals

Soloists

Demi-Soloists

Artists

Apprentices

Janek Schergen

Mohamed Noor Sarman

Chihiro Uchida, Kwok Min Yi, Etienne Ferrère, Kenya Nakamura

Akira Nakahama, Chua Bi Ru, Elaine Heng, May Yen Cheah, Huo Liang, Jason Carter, Kensuke Yorozu, Satoru Agetsuma

Beatrice Castañeda, Kana Minegishi, Nanase Tanaka, Yeo Chan Yee

Henriette Garcia, Jessica Garside, Leane Lim, Ma Ni, Mai Suzuki, Marina Yatsushiro, Stephanie Joe, Tamana Watanabe, Valerie Yeo, Ivan Koh, Jasper Arran, Jeremie Gan, John De Dios, Justin Zee, Reece Hudson, Reo Mizuno, Shan Del Vecchio, Takeaki Miura, Timothy Ng

Esen Thang, Felicia Er, Ma Xiaoyu, Reiko Tan, Sayaka Yamauchi, Erivan Garioli

Company Pianists Chiam Zhi Bin and Gabriel Hoe

Executive And Administrative Team

Company Manager (Artistic)

Senior Manager (Finance & Administration)

Acting Finance & Admin Manager

Senior Executive, Accounts & Admin

Assistant Marketing Manager

Ticketing & Marketing Executive

Marketing & Publicity Executive

Digital Marketing Executive

Executive, Education and Outreach/

Artistic Administration

Senior HR & Admin Executive

Customer Service Officer

Amanda Teo

Paul Ang

Tracey Pan

Nilar Win

Larissa D’cruz

Chang Zi Min

Narapadsorn Koh

Kimberly Tong

Muhammad Raizan

Sri Mayasari

Helen Tan

Production Team

Production Manager

Stage Manager

Leave us your feedback

Jasmine Leong

Gordon Lai

Production Coordinator/ Edafi Johar

Sound Engineer

Wardrobe Executive Chloei Hew

Wardrobe Supervisor

Florence Sim

Valued Partners

Founder's Circle

Ambassador’s Circle

2013

CapitaMall Trust Management Limited

Chan Chiew Ping (In Memoriam)

Daniel Teo Tong How

Edmund N S Tie

Edward D’Silva

Gennal Industries Pte Ltd

Goh Choo-San (In Memoriam)

Janek Schergen

Keppel Corporation

Laura C L Tan Hwang

Lee Foundation

Lee Lung Nien

Michael Hwang

Singapore Dance Theatre is a recipient of the National Arts Council’s Major Grant till 31 March 2023.

Oei Hong Leong

Ong Foundation

Teo Tong Wah (In memoriam)

Tong Eng Brothers

Pte Ltd

Coppelia

Evening Voices by Tim Rushton

The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker

Blue Snow by Toru Shimazaki

Peter & Blue's Birthday Party

Opus 25 by Edwaard Liang

Serenade by George Balanchine

singaporedancetheatre

singaporedancetheatre