Dance

Dance is an expression of our emotions, ideas and cultures through movements and the body. As a non-verbal form and a language in itself, dance allows us to appreciate and understand what is being communicated, regardless of backgrounds. The participatory nature of dance also brings people from all walks of life together at classes and events.

Our Diverse Dance Scene

Singapore’s dance scene has a wide range of artists and groups spanning across many genres – from traditional forms to contemporary and street. Key organisations include Frontier Danceland, O School, RAW Moves, Singapore Ballet, The Arts Fission Company, and T.H.E. Dance Company. As the pool of independent dance practitioners grows, Dance Nucleus as a dedicated space for independent and contemporary practice provides support for practice-based research and creative development. These companies and others from the traditional dance forms also actively contribute to the development of the professional dance scene in Singapore and have been gaining local and international recognition. Every year, festivals such as The Esplanade’s da:ns festival and T.H.E. Dance Company’s CONTACT Contemporary Dance Festival to name a few, offer platforms for emerging and established artists to showcase their works alongside international acts. 

Developing Capabilities

The performing arts scene has been increasingly multi-disciplinary in nature, with artists collaborating across genres and forms to create innovative new works. Beyond funding, NAC works with industry partners to provide capability development programmes to broaden perspectives and professionalise the dance scene. Audiences will enjoy novel dance experiences as our artists and groups continue to embrace and combine different aesthetics in their works.

Dance enhances social bonding, promotes self-confidence and a sense of self-identity. The practice of dance also instils discipline and responsibility. As a physical activity, it promotes health and well-being as well as develops coordination skills, posture and strength; culturally, it reflects our diversity, our values and traditions.