Supported By
Chinese Dance Fiesta 2026
4 - 17 May 2026
Multiple locations across Singapore
SCDT is proud to present the Chinese Dance Fiesta (CDF2026), a vibrant celebration of Chinese culture and heritage through the art of dance.
Happening from 4 to 17 May 2026, this 11th edition will feature eight public performances by talented dancers from schools, community groups and professional dance companies across Singapore. Audiences can look forward to a captivating blend of traditional and contemporary Chinese dance styles at the showcases, starting at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay on 8 & 9 May, Tampines on 10 May, VivoCity on 15 May, Toa Payoh on 16 May and closing at Chinatown on 17 May.
Besides a series of performances, SCDT presents Professor Ma Jiaqin, China’s first grade Choreographer and Founding Dean of the Dance Academy at Nanjing University of the Arts, China, as the featured artist in the Master Series in collaboration with Esplanade. She will host two public talk-demonstration sessions and two exclusive workshops on Kunwu for the first time in Singapore from 4 to 9 May.
CDF2026 @ Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay
8 May 2026 (Fri)
7 pm – 7:45 pm & 8:30 pm – 9:15 pm
DBS Foundation Outdoor Theatre
at Esplanade
Free admission
CDF2026 @ VivoCity
15 May 2026 (Fri)
7:30 pm – 9 pm
VivoCity Amphitheatre, Level 3
Free admission with pre-registration
CDF2026 @ Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay
9 May 2026 (Sat)
7 pm – 7:45 pm & 8:30 pm – 9:15 pm
DBS Foundation Outdoor Theatre
at Esplanade
Free admission
CDF2026 @ Toa Payoh
16 May 2026 (Sat)
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Toa Payoh Central
(Sheltered area in front of COURTS)
Free admission
CDF2026 @ Tampines
10 May 2026 (Sun)
3 pm – 4 pm
Our Tampines Hub
Festive Plaza
Free admission
CDF2026 @ Chinatown
17 May 2026 (Sun)
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Kreta Ayer Square
Free admission
Master Series
In collaboration with Esplanade, SCDT presents Professor Ma Jiaqin, China’s first grade Choreographer, Founding Dean of the Dance Academy at Nanjing University of the Arts, China, and creator of Kunwu, as the featured artist in this edition of the Master Series.
Rooted in Kunqu, one of the oldest and most refined forms of traditional Chinese opera, Kunwu distils and reimagines its finest elements into a contemporary movement language. Drawing deeply from the poetic elegance of Jiangnan culture, Professor Ma has shaped an expressive form rich in nuance, lyricism, and humanistic depth. Since its inception in 2003, Kunwu has been recognised as the fourth major style in Chinese classical dance, alongside Shenyun, Han-Tang, and Dunhuang.
From 4 to 9 May, Professor Ma will lead two public talk-demonstrations and two exclusive workshops, for the first time in Singapore, offering dance enthusiasts and experienced practitioners a rare opportunity to engage with this distinctive artistic practice.
Kunwu Intensive Dance Workshop
4 May 2026 to 7 May 2026 (Mon - Thu)
7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Esplanade Rehearsal Studio
Tickets from $300
This 4-day intensive workshop is designed for experienced dancers and enthusiasts aged 18 and above with at least 10 years of dance training.
Participants will gain focused, in-depth exposure to the Kunwu style, deepening their artistic understanding and expanding their movement vocabulary under the guidance of the creator Professor Ma.
Programme conducted in Mandarin, no surtitles.
Kunwu Introductory Dance Workshop
9 May 2026 (Sat)
10 am to 12:00 nn
Esplanade Rehearsal Studio
Tickets from $10
This 2-hour introductory workshop allows learners aged 13 and above to gain a foundational understanding of Kunwu and get a taste of the artistry involved.
Beginners or those simply intrigued by the art form will have a unique opportunity to discover its charm while learning fundamental techniques under the guidance of the creator Professor Ma.
Programme conducted in Mandarin, no surtitles.
Kunwu Talk-Demonstration
9 May 2026 (Sat)
3 pm – 3:30 pm | 4 pm - 4:30 pm
Esplanade Concourse
Free admission
Led by Professor Ma, this 30-minute talk-demonstration session offers audiences of all ages and backgrounds a glimpse into the history and characteristics of Kunwu.
Through this session, discover the rich heritage and unique qualities of this mesmerising art form, deepen your appreciation of its artistry, and perhaps even learn a movement or two!
Programme conducted in Mandarin, with English translation by emcee.
About Main Facilitator
Professor Ma Jiaqin is China's First-Class Choreographer and founder of Kunwu. She has served as Vice Chairman of the Jiangsu Dance Association, Founding Dean of the Dance Academy at Nanjing University of the Arts, Distinguished Professor in charge of Kunwu, and held leadership roles in Suzhou’s performing arts institutions. She has received numerous awards, including the China’s Wenhua Choreography and Scriptwriting Awards, National Choreography First and Special Awards, and Jiangsu Provincial Federation of Literary and Art Circles Contributor and Model title. Her centre for Kunwu Research and Practice was recognised as China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage—Kunwu Inheritance and Innovation Centre.
Representative works include Gan Jiang Mo Ye, Wu Gu Niang, Yu Mei Ren, Hua Meng, Wu Zhi Lian Hua Lan, You Shan Tang, Qing Zui San Yue Tian, Dao Cao Ren, Gui Mei, Chun Feng Xue Xing Ren, Xiao Chun Xiang and Chuan Yao – Yue Er Gao.
Publications include Kun Yun Liu Fang, Collection of Academic Papers on Kunwu, Kunwu syllabus for Undergraduates, as well as Teaching and Research Achievements on The Emergence and Ontological Structure of Kunwu.
About Assistant Facilitator
Wang Meiqing graduated from Nanjing University of the Arts. She studied under Professor Ma Jiaqin and holds an intermediate professional title in the arts. She is a member of the Secretariat of the Kunwu Expert Committee of the Chinese Dancers Association, served on the editorial board and teaching demonstrations for Kunwu syllabus, and participated in demonstrations for Kunwu syllabus for undergraduates.
She took part in a Jiangsu Arts Fund project and the “Five Top Project” award-winning musical Hua Zhong Lu Yi Ji, as a key performer and a member of the directing team. She performed in the teaching showcase Dong Fang Zhi Feng, organised by the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Cultural and Historical Museum, and was recognised as an outstanding student at the National Arts Fund Creative Performance Talent Training Programme.
In 2023, she was awarded the title of “Star of Mass Culture” by the Nanjing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism. In 2024, she starred in Chun and Chun Man Jiang Nan, which won the Gold Award for Literary and Artistic Innovation in Higher Education.
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