Singapore Chinese Dance Theatre
Singapore Chinese Dance Theatre was incorporated in 2014 as a professional dance company to promote Chinese dance of artistic and creative excellence. Led by our Artistic Director, Madam Neo Jenny, SCDT plays a vital role in developing and exploring Singapore's identity in Chinese dance; it envisions itself as a centre of excellence for Chinese dance both locally and internationally.
In its ten years of establishment, the company has continually sought to ensure and maintain a high quality of performance and strive towards achieving greater artistic creativity and excellence. To date, the company put up ten significant productions, including the dance drama "A Startling Dream" in 2014, "ROOTED | A Triple Bill" and "Journey: Purpose in Motion" in 2015, the dance drama "Life's A Stage" in 2016, "HEARTiculation" in 2017, dance drama "The Greatest Good" in 2018, "Crossings: A Double Bill" in 2019, digital production "The Susurration of the Tree" in 2021, "SOAR: A Devotion" in 2022 and "Where the Flowers Bloom" in 2023.
In addition to local performing arts events, the company showcase its works and participates in exchange opportunities on overseas platforms. In 2014, the company participated in the "Third China Cao Yu Culture Week" held in Qianjiang, China. In 2015, the company was invited to perform at the Asia Pacific Performing Arts Network International Symposium "The Wisdom of Age in Performance: The Intangible Heritage of the Asia Pacific", held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. In 2016, the company was invited to perform at the World Dance Alliance Asia Pacific International Dance Festival held in Seoul, South Korea. In 2017, the company was invited to attend the International Dance Festival held in Ninh Binh, VietNam. In the same year, the company also participated in the First Maritime Silk Road International Art of Dance Week held in Fuzhou, China. In 2018, the company was invited to perform a joint performance with Hanoi Vietnam Tuong Theater in Hanoi, VietNam, to commemorate the 45th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and VietNam. In 2019, the company was invited to participate in the Maritime Silk Road International Art of Dance Week held in Fuzhou, China, for the second time. In 2020, "Beneath the Sheath" was screened at the World Dance Alliance (Asia Pacific) International Dance Conference held in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. In 2021, "The Susurration of the Tree" was screened at the Toronto International Dance Festival 2021". In 2022, "Veiled" was presented at the "Sibu International Dance Festival 2022 - Jejak Angin" held in Sarawak, Malaysia and "ASEAN Unity for Peace Festival" held Phnom Penh, Cambodia. In 2023, "Veiled" and “Phases within our Control" were presented at the 19th Busan International Arts Festival held in Busan, South Korea. Later that year, "Phases within our Control" and " Spring Breeze" were presented at the Solo International Performing Arts Festival and the inaugural Banjarmasin International Performing Arts Festival held in Solo and Banjarmasin city of Indonesia.
SCDT is also committed to presenting more engaging performances, nurturing promising talents and making Chinese dance accessible to the broader community.
purpose
To preserve and promote Chinese and cultural dance through artistic and creative excellence
vision
An innovative yet grounded dance company that aims to be internationally recognised for its distinctive works that showcase Singapore's heritage and cultural identity.
mission
To inspire, nurture and connect through dance, while contributing to Singapore's vibrant arts scene.
value
Humility, Integrity, Innovativity
OUR ORIGIN
Founded in 1990 by Madam Lim Moi Kim, Singapore Chinese Dance Theatre (SCDT), previously known as the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Dance Theatre, began as an avocational troupe offering Chinese dance courses and performing opportunities for dance enthusiasts under the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Arts and Cultural Troupe.
Over the years, SCDT made remarkable achievements and contributed significantly to the local performing arts scene. Its ticketed dance performance “ACT Dance Night”, which features a repertoire of original works, was especially well-received by renowned industry practitioners and the general public. As SCDT became more established, it was frequently invited to perform at prestigious local, as well as overseas events and dance festivals.
In 2002, SCDT participated in the “Liverpool International Theatre Festival” held in Canada, performing its original dance drama “Madam White Snake”. The item clinched “The People’s Choice”, “Best Visual Performance” and “Outstanding Supporting Actress” awards, and was well-loved by the audience. In 2012, SCDT was invited to perform at the “Sibu International Dance Festival” held in Sibu, Malaysia, where the presented items were highly commended and well-received by the locals.
In recognition of its enduring efforts to the local arts scene, in 2013, SCDT was one of the recipients of the Seed Grant from the National Arts Council (NAC). In 2014, it was officially incorporated as a professional dance company under the support of the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan.