Got talented children who love the spotlight?

Do you have talented children who love dancing, singing or playing a musical instrument? Why not develop their interest by enrolling them in a performing arts school? As they hone their abilities in dance classes, 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 performing arts school.

MADDspace – singing, dancing and performing

Name: Ho Mei Xuan (13)
Nationality: Singaporean
Years at the studio: 5

I’ve been attending MADDspace Performing Arts School since Primary 2, after hearing about it through my teacher and choir conductor. I’m currently in the MADDartistes Programme where we learn about singing, dancing and performing. Previously, I took part in the Show Choir Programme as well as private song writing and composing lessons. I’ve taken part in the B-dazzled Music & Dance Festival locally as well as the Ladybug International Festival at Beijing where we won two gold awards for Singapore.

I love being on stage with my friends and people who share the same interest as me. The MADDartistes lessons teach me about the importance of teamwork and this helps me bond with my classmates. I especially enjoy the lessons as I can try new things such as a-cappella singing, and they also prepare me for performances and competitions. Besides learning how to work together with my friends, I learn about perseverance – how to get through all the obstacles that come my way and working hard for what I want.

• 2 Orchard Link, #05-01, #02-23-#02-26•
• 48 Boon Lay Way
6802 4072 | info@maddspace.com.sg | maddspace.com.sg

Centre Stage – performing arts, dance classes and more

Name: Summer Staples (16)
Nationality: British
Years at the studio: 10

Mum enrolled me at Centre Stage 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 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

Tanglin Arts Studio – dance classes of all types

Name: Anya Harvey (12)
Nationality: Vietnamese American
Years at the studio: 3.5

I do ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, lyrical dance classes, musical theatre and acrobatics at Tanglin Arts Studio, and I’ve learnt a lot about communication, teamwork and expressing myself through dance. I’ve participated in three Tanglin Arts dance recitals. I also joined two Get the Beat competitions as a soloist, in a duo and as part of the Performance Team, as well as the Australian Teachers of Dancing competition in Bangkok in ballet, jazz and tap.

I love that when I’m dancing, it’s not about anything but dance. If something is bothering me, I forget about it when I’m dancing – I feel safe and happy. When I’m dancing, I can be myself and be in the company of great friends and teachers.

Studios at Horsecity, Loewen Gardens, Sentosa Cove and Claymore Hill

Yamaha Music School – piano classes

Name: Tok Min (11)
Nationality: Singaporean
Years at the school: 6

When I was a little girl, I enjoyed making simple compositions on the piano. My mother enrolled me at the Yamaha Music School and I learnt about chord progressions, rhythms and how different instruments come together to create an ensemble. This allowed me to compose original music, improvise and arrange music, which is a lot of fun! I’ve taken part in a few piano competitions and Electone (Yamaha electric organ) competitions between 2013 and 2017. I’ve also arranged music pieces for public performances, one of which was for a bursary award presentation.

I love learning how to play all sorts of instruments – it’s satisfying and fun! I’ve picked up useful skills such as discipline and perseverance while learning music. I’ve also learnt about teamwork during my group lesson where I work together and perform with others.

Multiple locations islandwide.

L’Academie de Danse Singapore – dance classes

Name: Ava Hopkins (17)
Nationality: British
Years at the academy: 5

I heard about L’Academie de Danse Singapore from my mum as she attended adult ballet dance classes there. I’ve been learning ballet as well as contemporary dance. I have danced two big solos and a few miniature solos in a group, and I also attended the Boston Summer Camp this year and The Bolshoi Ballet in Russia last year.

I enjoy ballet as it’s a way I can express myself; I love turning the most! I also love the perfection of the movements and memorising the different combinations. I have picked up many skills along the way, including perseverance – nothing is perfect on the first try – and teamwork, as we need to move and dance together.

8 Claymore Hill, #01-03/04

Find more fun things to do in Singapore with kids here! Plus, see our guide to international schools in Singapore.

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