Singapore Ballet Festival 2025 Dances Back with Timeless Grace and Contemporary Power

From 18 to 20 July 2025, the Singapore Ballet Festival makes its highly anticipated return to the Drama Centre Theatre, promising a weekend of expressive storytelling, emotional depth, and breathtaking movement. Curated as an artistic arc of three compelling works, this year’s programme weaves a poetic journey—from introspective longing to haunting stillness and exuberant style.

Shadow’s Edge by Ma Cong

Opening the festival is Shadow’s Edge, a romantic and emotionally charged work by Ma Cong, a celebrated Chinese choreographer and Choo-San Goh Award recipient. First premiered at Singapore Ballet’s Dans Festival in 2014, the piece returns with renewed poignancy. Known for his lyrical language of movement, Ma Cong—currently Artistic Director of Richmond Ballet—will also debut Incomparable Beauty at Ballet Under the Stars 2025. He will be in Singapore from 1 to 5 July for interviews and photoshoots.

Evening Voices by Tim Rushton

British choreographer Tim Rushton draws audiences into a contemplative realm with Evening Voices, set against the ethereal vocals of the Ukrainian National Choir. Originally created for Singapore Ballet’s Passages series in 2018, the piece explores stillness and introspection. Rushton, a former Artistic Director of the Danish Dance Theatre and recipient of the MBE from Queen Elizabeth II, brings his signature blend of classical roots and contemporary sensitivity.

Double Contrasts by Choo-San Goh

Closing the festival is Double Contrasts, a vibrant, glamorous ballet by legendary Singapore-born choreographer Choo-San Goh. Known for its polished dynamism and bold costumes by Sandra Woodall, the piece has been a defining work in Singapore Ballet’s repertoire—from its debut with The Washington Ballet to the 2021 Choo-San Goh Festival celebrating the company’s renaming.