Photo Credits: https://singaporeballet.org/singapore-ballet-festival-2025/

The Singapore Ballet Festival this July 2025 promises to be an extraordinary showcase of international choreographic talent, bringing together three remarkable works that represent the pinnacle of contemporary ballet artistry. This prestigious annual event will take place at the Drama Centre Theatre from 18th to 20th July 2025, offering audiences an intimate yet grand theatrical experience in Singapore’s cultural heart.

Festival Overview and Programme

The Singapore Ballet Festival this July 2025 presents a carefully curated triple bill featuring works by three internationally acclaimed choreographers: Ma Cong’s “Shadow’s Edge,” Tim Rushton’s “Evening Voices,” and Choo-San Goh’s “Double Contrasts”. Each piece represents a unique artistic vision whilst collectively demonstrating Singapore Ballet’s commitment to preserving and reimagining choreographic masterpieces.

The festival spans three days with strategically scheduled performances to accommodate diverse audiences. Friday, 18th July features an evening performance at 8pm, whilst Saturday, 19th July offers both matinee (2pm) and evening (8pm) shows. The festival concludes on Sunday, 20th July with a 2pm matinee performance.

Venue and Accessibility

Drama Centre Theatre, housed within the National Library Building on Victoria Street, serves as the perfect venue for this intimate ballet celebration. The 615-seat proscenium theatre provides excellent sightlines and acoustics, ensuring every audience member can fully appreciate the nuanced performances. Located in Singapore’s cultural district, the venue benefits from excellent public transport connectivity and proximity to other arts institutions.

The theatre’s mid-sized capacity creates an intimate atmosphere that allows for deeper connection between performers and audience, particularly suited to the contemporary works featured in the Singapore Ballet Festival July 2025. The venue’s technical capabilities support the sophisticated lighting and staging requirements of these world-class productions.

Featured Choreographers and Their Masterpieces

Choo-San Goh: A Singapore Legacy

The late Choo-San Goh (1948-1987) remains one of Singapore’s most celebrated cultural exports, having achieved international recognition as a visionary choreographer. Born in Singapore, Goh’s journey from local dance academy student to internationally acclaimed choreographer represents a remarkable artistic trajectory. His tenure as Resident Choreographer and Associate Artistic Director at Washington Ballet saw the creation of over thirty acclaimed works.

“Double Contrasts,” originally premiered by Washington Ballet in 1978, exemplifies Goh’s ability to challenge dancers’ classical technique whilst creating visually stunning choreography. The piece, set to Poulenc’s Double Piano Concerto, features rapid-fire movements that showcase both sophistication and youthful energy. The revival features striking black and white costumes by Sandra Woodall, emphasising the work’s contrasting themes.

Ma Cong: Contemporary Innovation

Ma Cong, current Resident Choreographer of Tulsa Ballet, brings his unique perspective shaped by training at Beijing Dance Academy and extensive international experience. His choreographic style seamlessly blends Eastern and Western dance traditions, creating works that resonate with diverse audiences. Recipient of the prestigious Choo-San Goh Award for Choreography in 2007, Ma Cong represents the continuation of Singapore’s choreographic excellence.

“Shadow’s Edge” explores themes of connection and longing through the medium of eight couples moving in perfect harmony. Set to Bryce Dessner’s composition for Kronos Quartet, the choreography draws out both lyrical softness and rhythmic intensity from the music. The work demonstrates Ma Cong’s ability to create deeply emotional narratives through movement.

Tim Rushton: British Choreographic Excellence

Timothy Rushton MBE brings decades of international experience to the Singapore Ballet Festival July 2025. Trained at The Royal Ballet School and having served as Artistic Director of Danish Dance Theatre from 2001 to 2018, Rushton represents the highest echelons of European choreographic tradition. His appointment as Member of the Order of the British Empire recognises his significant contributions to dance.

“Evening Voices” showcases Rushton’s long-held artistic vision, featuring choreography set to Rachmaninov’s All-Night Vigil as performed by the Ukrainian National Choir. The piece, which debuted with Singapore Ballet in 2018, demonstrates the choreographer’s ability to translate complex musical harmonies into compelling movement. Dancers respond to the haunting choral arrangements with remarkable precision and emotional depth.

Singapore Ballet: Institutional Excellence

Singapore Ballet, founded in 1988 as Singapore Dance Theatre, has evolved into the nation’s premier dance company under the artistic direction of Janek Schergen since 2008. The company’s growth from seven dancers in a modest studio to 38 company dancers and apprentices reflects Singapore’s commitment to developing world-class arts institutions.

The company’s artistic philosophy emphasises seamless transitions between strong classical technique and contemporary movement, earning recognition as “a little Asiatic gem” from international critics. This versatility enables Singapore Ballet to present diverse repertoires whilst maintaining distinctly Asian sensibilities rooted in strong local connections.

Ticketing and Accessibility

The Singapore Ballet Festival July 2025 offers accessible pricing with tickets available at S$48, S$68, and S$88, excluding booking fees. Early bird promotions provide 20% discounts for purchases of two or more tickets, making this world-class entertainment accessible to broader audiences. The tiered pricing structure ensures availability across different budget ranges whilst maintaining the festival’s premium positioning.

Cultural Significance and Future Impact

The Singapore Ballet Festival July 2025 represents more than entertainment; it embodies Singapore’s cultural maturation and international artistic recognition. By presenting works from Singaporean, Chinese, and British choreographers, the festival demonstrates the city-state’s position as a cultural bridge between East and West.

This annual celebration contributes to Singapore’s reputation as a regional cultural hub whilst providing local audiences with access to world-class performances. The festival’s commitment to presenting both established masterpieces and contemporary works ensures its relevance to evolving artistic landscapes.

The Singapore Ballet Festival July 2025 stands as testament to Singapore’s artistic ambitions and achievements, offering audiences an unforgettable journey through contemporary choreographic excellence in an intimate, world-class setting.