Do you have talented children who love dancing, singing or playing a musical instrument? Why not develop their interest by introducing them to performing arts in Singapore? As they hone their abilities in dance classes for kids, theatre and ballet, music and singing classes, they also have loads of fun! Here, some young performers tell us what they love about their respective dance and drama classes in Singapore.
Centre Stage – performing arts, dance classes in Singapore and more
Summer Staples (17), British
Mum enrolled me at Centre Stage school of performing arts in Singapore when I was six, and I’ve since taken ballet classes plus tap, jazz, contemporary and musical theatre dance as well as musical theatre. During the 10 years, I’ve performed in mini showcases, dance and musical theatre performances, pantomimes written and directed by co-founders Pete and Alison, and six of the school’s annual dance shows. I’ve also taken multiple exams here in ballet, jazz and musical theatre dance. I’ve had opportunities to work with a range of students and also help younger students. In shows, I’ve had to work with other people to learn dances or stage directions; it’s very important to get along with your cast mates.
The part I enjoy most about performing arts is being able to learn new dances and perform them for an audience. I enjoy rehearsing and the hard work that goes into a show. I also enjoy being able to do what I love with my friends as we are all working towards the same goals.
• Block 15 Woking Road | 6732 7211
• #01-32 Laguna Park, 5000G Marine Parade Road | 6449 6211
info@centre-stage.com | centre-stage.com
Conundrum Theatre – acting and drama classes
Luisa, 17, British
“I’ve been at Conundrum for a year now, which includes the first summer course they did in 2021. I first heard about the company through a family friend’s social media post.
Through the Conundrum drama classes in Singapore, I’ve been able to develop my skills in acting in terms of improvisation, developing a character, working as an ensemble, and overall confidence in the acting of more naturalistic scenes. We learn different performance techniques for the different styles in drama as well as theory and terms to use related to drama.
I’ve taken part in two performances with Conundrum – The Aftertime and I Still Have No Friends. The thing I love most about performing is the moment before you step onto the stage, as well as being on the stage itself. The nerves right before a show are always exciting and create the thrill that is needed to perform at your best. Doing those little rituals backstage before a show helps to solidify the fact that you are about to perform.
Performing arts have always been my thing. I’ve always loved doing makeshift shows at family barbecues, school shows, in my bedroom, and anywhere! Not only is it super fun, but I’ve met so many amazing people doing it and have been able to form lifelong connections across the world because of it.
Conundrum has taught me discipline, perseverance, communication, collaboration, confidence, creativity and how to trust the process. It has imparted valuable life skills that I may not have learnt without the arts.”
#B1-03 Hexacube, 160 Changi Road 9869 9578 | hello@whataconundrum.com | whataconundrum.com
Performers Ballet Academy – Ballet classes
Swathi Maddi, 20, Indian
“I’ve been attending Performers Ballet Academy for three years. I was looking for intensive ballet institutes online and Performers Ballet Academy felt to be offering the right dance classes in Singapore to support my needs. After a trial ballet class with Miss Liliana I knew that it was the right choice, where I would be challenged, guided and supported to pursue my dreams of taking dance to the next level.
Ballet classes I’ve attended include Classical Ballet classes – Free Syllabus, Royal Academy of Dance Grade 7, Grade 8, Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate and Contemporary Dance. I’ve received a distinction in all my RAD ballet exams since joining Performers Ballet Academy. Beforehand, I was only able to achieve merits in exams. I have also taken part in the Academy performance of The Nutcracker Act II and numerous class presentations. With the support and encouragement of Performers Ballet Academy teachers, last year, I auditioned for Boston Conservatory at Berklee, a top performing arts college offering degree programmes in dance in the US. I’m now a full-time student, and this is due to the meticulous training and guidance provided by the teachers at the Academy. I can’t be more grateful.
What I love most about performing arts is representing a strong message that draws in the audience and leaves them contemplative and in awe. I thoroughly enjoy embodying a character separate from myself and portraying themes that inspire audiences. It’s a magical, otherworldly feeling that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
I’ve definitely learned perseverance through dance classes in Singapore, and, most importantly, I’ve learned to trust and believe in myself. As an artist and as a human being. I’ve found that with this faith in mind, there is no limit to my potential and growth moving forward.”
318 Tanglin Road, Block D Phoenix Park, #01-55 9058 6419 | performersballetacademy.com.sg
Evolve Arts – Performing arts drama classes
Rory, 14, British
“I’ve been living in Singapore for nine years and have attended Evolve Arts since they first started. I heard about them through some family friends, who also enjoy drama classes in Singapore.
I take part in acting and drama classes, where we learn many acting techniques, such as focusing on character work to portray each character differently, and working as a group to listen to each other on stage. These techniques help us become better performers as individuals and improve how we work as a group. I also take part in a film-making class, where we focus on the many different aspects that go into creating a film, such as story planning, acting, camera and sound, editing, and more.
I’ve performed many times since attending Evolve Arts drama classes in Singapore, including popular plays such as Peter Pan, comedies, as well as a musical. I also completed a LAMDA examination, which was really rewarding.
I love the creativity of performing arts, being able to step into different characters, develop them, and understand how they would feel in different situations. At Evolve Arts, we’re given a lot of flexibility. I’ve been able to create an original backstory for characters, decide how they walk and talk, and habits that they might have. I’ve even suggested changes to the storylines of plays and films.
Along with loving the thrill of being in front of an audience, bringing them entertainment, joy, and laughter, I find meaning in the process that goes into a performance, from the planning stages to the rehearsals, the buzz of nerves beforehand, and the applause at the end.
I’ve also developed my perseverance. There can be moments where it seems like it’s not going to work out properly, like you won’t learn your lines, or manage to shoot all the scenes in time. However, when you persevere, it always comes together in the end. ”
44 Pasir Panjang Road, Block D-02 8133 2552 | evolve-arts.com
The Graceful Swan – dance and ballet classes
Tohko Tanabe, 10, Japanese
“I’ve been attending The Graceful Swan for three years and six months. I started taking dance classes in Singapore as an extracurricular activity at my school and then continued to take ballet studio classes at The Graceful Swan.
I have taken part in dance recitals twice, and also participated in soloist and group dancing. What I love most about performing is it makes me feel better. I love to feel happy and make everyone who watches my performance happy too!
Through my ballet classes at The Graceful Swan, my body has become stronger and I feel more confident to perform. I’m also learning to work harder than before.”
• #06-18 Orchard Plaza, 150 Orchard Road
• #07-03/05 Skyline Building, 192 Waterloo Street
8808 7042 | thegracefulswan.com
Find more fun things to do in Singapore with kids here! Plus, see our guide to international schools in Singapore.
