Message by Janek Schergen, Artistic Director
Classical favourites, neo-classical masterpieces, and cutting-edge contemporary works form the three pillars of most major ballet companies around the world. As Singapores largest professional dance company, SDT continues to nurture talents within our stable of dancers who are equally adept at all three genres. Whether it is the romanticism of Swan Lake or the pageantry of The Nutcracker, the ageless artistry of Balanchines Concerto Barocco, or the edgy aesthetics of newer pieces like David Dawsons A Million Kisses to my Skin and Jorma Elos Glow-Stop, SDT dancers stand out on stage each and every time.
It is no wonder then, that recent reviews in international dance publications like Dance Europe have used words like effervescent and exuberant to describe the Company and our dancers. When we perform an eclectic triple bill programme, critics and audiences alike have been known to wonder if they had just witnessed three different companies in action. We will continue to work towards becoming the epitome of versatility, and, as expressed in our Companys mission statement, to become world-renowned for our unique ability to shine in classical, neo-classical, and contemporary repertoire with works that are timeless and inspiring.
In 2010, the Company will acquire another ballet by George Balanchine, and for the first time, stage a story-driven childrens ballet titled Peter and Blues Forest Adventure. Of course, we will look forward to receiving you at our annual Ballet Under The Stars, which in 2009 achieved record high attendances of over 10,000 in its three-night run. A new full-length production of the ballet The Sleeping Beauty is also in the works.
There will be a slew of outreach activities this year, including One@ the Ballet, which received overwhelming responses when it was initiated earlier in 2009. Passages, a choreographic platform for fresh young talents, will also be part of our efforts to incubate new works for our repertoire.
I hope you enjoy this years programmes and wish all of you a prosperous and wonderful year of 2010!
Janek Schergen
Artistic Director
Singapore Dance Theatre