Singapore to Host World Renowned Gen?e International Ballet Competition 3-12 September 2009
Singapore is set to gain the international spotlight in 2009 as it hosts the prestigious
Genee International Ballet Competition for the first time in the competition's 78-year history. Named after one of the Academy's founders, Dame Adeline Gen?e, the Competition is one of the leading competitive platforms for ballet and attracts some of the finest young dance talent from around the world together with our international jury chaired by Dame Antoinette Sibley, who is also President of the Royal Academy of Dance. The 2009 Competition is presented by
the Royal Academy of Dance and
National Arts Council (NAC).
Ms Elaine Ng, Director for Performing Arts Development, NAC, said "The Genee International Ballet Competition represents the pinnacle of achievement for young dancers trained in the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus, which incidentally is the most popular ballet training syllabus in Singapore. It will gather internationally renowned choreographers, artistic directors, leading teachers, and participants in Singapore. The National Arts Council is pleased to present this international dance competition as it will help raise the profile of dance in Singapore, inspire our young dancers to achieve new heights, and provide opportunities for our dance community to interact with and learn from international dance professionals. The opportunity for Singapore to host this competition is testament to the development in the Singapore dance scene over the years, and it also enhances Singapore as a global arts city."
Lynn Wallis, Artistic Director of the Royal Academy of Dance and Producer of the Genee International Ballet Competition is enthusiastic about the choice of Singapore for the 2009 competition. Speaking from London, she said, "Singapore has become a vibrant and exciting centre for cultural and artistic activity. I can think of no better backdrop for the Genee International Ballet Competition bringing together as it does young talented dancers from all over the world. We are delighted that so much enthusiasm is already being expressed about the choice of Singapore for next year's Genee; we share that enthusiasm and believe Singapore will give the Genee a unique and very special flavour."
Every year, the Royal Academy of Dance invites an international group of teachers, choreographers and artistic directors to coach, choreograph or judge the young dancers over a week-long event. Besides offering young dancers a rare opportunity to work with and learn from renowned dance professionals and also perform on international stages, the Competition often launches talented young dancers on their professional career.
Some of its successful alumni include: National Ballet of Canada?s principal dancer Goh Chan Hon; San Francisco Ballet's soloist Frances Chung; and The Royal Ballet's principal dancer Leanne Benjamin and soloist, Steven McRae.
The Genee International Ballet Competition 2009 is supported under the Convene-in-Singapore scheme, a joint initiative by NAC and Singapore Tourism Board, which aims to promote Singapore as an ideal destination for regional and international arts events, meetings, conventions and exhibitions. The Competition will be held at Singapore Dance Theatre and the University Cultural Centre.
Key Dates3 September - Candidates' Welcome Reception, Singapore Dance Theatre
4-8 September - Coaching Sessions, Singapore Dance Theatre
9 September - Semi-final, University Cultural Centre
10 September - Semi-final, University Cultural Centre
12 September - Competition Final, University Cultural Centre
The Royal Academy of Dance (United Kingdom)With over 13,000 members' spread across 79 countries, the Royal Academy of Dance is one of the largest and most influential dance education and training organisations in the world. Established in 1920, to improve standards and re-invigorate dance training initially within the UK, the Academy helps and encourages its teachers to perfect their teaching skills and pass on this knowledge to their students. There are currently over 1,000 students in full-time or part-time teacher training programmes with the Academy and each year, the examination syllabus is taught to more than a quarter of a million students worldwide.
