Faculty of Performing arts
SCHOOL OF DANCE
The School of Dance is a vibrant community that nurtures creative, versatile, and socially engaged dance artists. Located in the heart of Singapore’s Arts and Heritage district, our programs offer an immersive blend of dance practices, performance, pedagogy, dance science, and professional studies.
Our curriculum focuses on contemporary and traditional dance techniques, encouraging students to engage with dance in innovative ways while developing their unique artistic identity. Students explore a range of global dance practices and have the opportunity to perform and learn from industry professionals across the globe, guest artists and choreographers.
Contextual studies are integrated into the programs to cultivate analytical and critical thinking skills, enabling students to understand dance within a broader context and develop professional practice strategies. Students delve into dance-making and performance, deepening their expertise and expressive skills through creative and collaborative projects.
At the School of Dance, we celebrate diversity and foster an inclusive, safe, and supportive learning environment. Our experienced faculty and industry experts are dedicated to guiding students toward their professional goals and helping them reach their full potential as dance artists.
Students are led to a journey of self-discovery, creativity, and artistic growth. The goal is to develop your skills, and prepare the students to make a mark in the dynamic world of dance and the creative industries.
Jose Cerda
Dance
Jose has been drawn to dance his whole life. He has performed with dance teams since he was a teenager and has worked with major artists like Missy Elliot and Beyonce at the start of his career. He moved to Beijing in the mid 2000s to pursue his love of dance, teaching and travel as the lead teacher and choreographer to a professional dance company. Jose continued on to Singapore in 2008 where he continued to hone his dance, performance and teaching skills in dance studios and local media outlets. His love of teaching, particularly children, is what has kept him in Singapore. He started his own dance company in 2011 that focuses on bringing the love of dance to children and preparing performers for the professional stage. Jose works with children from all age ranges and aspiring professionals in schools ranging from kindergartens, international schools, colleges and special education schools. He graduated with a Master of Arts from Goldsmith University, UK.
Albert Tiong
Dance, Contemporary Dance, Modern Dance
Albert is a highly accomplished dancer, choreographer, and educator who has made significant contributions to the dance community both in Singapore and internationally. He began his journey by graduating from The Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts on a full scholarship, laying a strong foundation for his future success.
Albert’s professional dance career includes notable roles with renowned dance companies. He danced as a professional with Cloud Gate Dance Theater of Taiwan, showcasing his exceptional talent on numerous international tours. He also served as a guest artist with the prestigious Hong Kong Dance Company, further expanding his artistic horizons. As the principal dancer with Odyssey Dance Theater in Singapore, Albert demonstrated his versatility and skill, captivating audiences with his performances.
His talent and reputation led to him being selected as the Singapore representative for the World Dance Alliance Asia-Pacific Dance Bridge 2007 Artist Showcase, an honor that recognized his outstanding contributions to the dance community.
In addition to his illustrious performance career, Albert is a dedicated teacher of contemporary dance. He has shared his expertise extensively, teaching in Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Singapore. His teaching engagements include People’s Association, LASALLE College of the Arts, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Singapore Raffles Music College (Dance Faculty), NUS Dance Synergy, T.H.E Dance Company, and *SCAPE Dance Residency.
Albert’s impact as an educator extends beyond national boundaries. He has been invited to participate in academic exchanges with esteemed institutions such as the Beijing Dance Academy in China and the Macau Academy of Performing Arts (Dance School), showcasing his expertise and contributing to the global dance community.
Throughout his career, Albert has been recognized for his choreographic achievements. He founded Re:Dance Theater, a platform that emphasized the development and appreciation of contemporary dance in Singapore and the region. As the Resident Choreographer and training master for Frontier Danceland, he created numerous captivating dance works and full-length productions. His creations have been featured at prestigious events and festivals including the Singapore International Festival of Arts, Esplanade’s da:ns festival and Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts, M1 CONTACT Contemporary Dance Festival, M1 Singapore Fringe Festival, NUS Arts Festival, and international platforms in Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, and the USA.
Albert’s exceptional work “Traces” garnered the prestigious Tan Ean Kiam Arts Awards for Production of the Year in 2014, cementing his reputation as a visionary and talented choreographer.
Beyond his artistic endeavors, Albert’s has also been recognized for his valuable contributions as a jury member for the Singapore Dance Alliance (SDA), where he provided his expertise and insights to support and promote the dance community in Singapore.
With his extraordinary talent, extensive experience, and dedication to dance education, Albert continues to inspire dancers, create innovative works, and contribute to the growth and development of the dance landscape both locally and globally.
Mayu Watanabe
Dance Performance and Musical Theater - Ballet
Mayu is a highly accomplished dancer, esteemed lecturer, and the Director and Founder of M.A Ballet, a renowned ballet company that has left an indelible mark on the dance community.
With an impressive career spanning over a decade, Mayu’s experience as a professional dancer includes her tenure at The Arts Fission Company from 2009 to 2013. Collaborating closely with Artistic Director and Choreographer Angela Liong, Mayu showcased her talent in numerous iconic productions. Notable performances include “The Rite of Spring: A People’s Stravinsky” in collaboration with Esplanade and The Philharmonic Orchestra, the international tour of “Petals in the Crowd” in Jakarta, Indonesia, as well as captivating pieces like “Madly dancing between 24 seasons,” “Dance Constructions,” “Bird Call” with guest choreographer Elysa Wendi, and “Eat a Bitter Bloom” with guest choreographer Charlotte Boye-Christenesen, Artistic Director of Ririe Woodbury Dance Company in the USA.
Driven by a deep sense of compassion, Mayu organized and performed in a charity concert in 2011 to support the victims of the Japan Tohoku earthquake. Collaborating with musician Yuzuru Maeda, the concert raised S$1,586, which was donated to Mercy Relief, aiding in the relief efforts for those affected.
In addition to her outstanding performance career, Mayu’s is a passionate educator. She has been teaching ballet and contemporary dance since 2016 at M.A Ballet, LASALLE College of the Arts, and the School of the Arts (SOTA). Her expertise extends to instructing professional dancers at The Arts Fission Company and teaching creative dance to individuals of all ages, including workshops for dementia patients in collaboration with doctors from Singapore General Hospital.
Mayu’s educational journey took her to the esteemed Central School of Ballet in London, where she earned her BA (Hons) Degree and Diploma in Professional Dance and Performance with First-Class honors. She also achieved a Distinction in RAD Advanced2 from the Royal Academy of Dance.
Throughout her career, Mayu has been recognized for her exceptional talent and artistry. Her accolades include winning the 1st Prize in the Choreographic Competition and the Central Trust Awards at the Central School of Ballet in 2006. She also achieved the 2nd prize at The Hokkaido Ballet Competition in Hokkaido, Japan, in 2001.
As the Director and Founder of M.A Ballet, Mayu continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of dancers, imparting her passion and knowledge while pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. Her unwavering commitment to the art of ballet and her dedication to education make her a revered figure in the dance community.
School of Dance
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