Show Introduction

If we were to traverse the paths of the past, would we be happier? If we were to attempt what was done in the past, would things turn out differently?

If It’s Now by Singapore Chinese Dance Theatre (SCDT) is inspired by the many bittersweet stories of women from different eras and the labels that they have borne, and the work explores the journey of women through time.

Co-choreographed by acclaimed dance practitioners Neo Jenny and Benedict Soh, Artistic Director and Creative Director respectively of SCDT, If It’s Now reflects on the role and identity of a woman through an exploration of traditional female stereotypes and a celebration of femininity. The past and present meet in a showcase of classical Chinese dance and an evolving contemporary style that is a hallmark of SCDT.

Show Details

• If It's Now | Huayi 2022
• Date: 18 – 20 Feb 2022
• Time: 14:00 | 17:00 | 20:00
• Venue: Esplanade Annexe Studio
• Address: 1 Esplanade Dr

Admission for ages 13 and above.

Narrated in Mandarin, no surtitles.

No latecomer entry or re-entry for this performance.

Ticket Details

• Ticket available on Esplanade
• Price: SGD 38*
• Limited concessions for students, NSFs, seniors and PWDs: SGD30

About Singapore Chinese Dance Theatre

Singapore Chinese Dance Theatre (SCDT) was incorporated in 2014 as a professional dance company, with the mission to promote Chinese dance of artistic and creative excellence. Led by Artistic Director Neo Jenny, SCDT plays a vital role in developing and exploring Chinese dance identity in Singapore.

In addition to local performing arts events, the company also showcases its works and participates in exchange opportunities on overseas platforms. Its performances are met with acclamation in countries such as China, South Korea, Vietnam and Indonesia.

SCDT is also committed to presenting engaging performances, nurturing promising talents and making Chinese dance more accessible to the broader community. These efforts contribute to a vibrant performing arts scene in Singapore.

Special thanks to Melissa Singapore for the loan of shoes for If It's Now.

About Singapore Chinese Dance Theatre Artistic Director Neo Jenny

Neo Jenny began her dance journey at the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Arts and Cultural Troupe under her mother’s tutelage. She received a training grant and scholarship from the National Arts Council and the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan to further her professional training at the Beijing Dance Academy. This is followed by a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Dance at LASALLE College of the Arts in 2009.

Jenny currently leads Singapore Chinese Dance Theatre as the Artistic Director to promote Chinese dance through artistic and creative excellence. She also teaches Chinese dance modular classes and choreographs works in Lasalle – College of the Arts and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. She was appointed as the Principal Tutor of the National University of Singapore (Chinese dance) in 2020. One of her best works include The Wilderness — a 35 minute dance drama that won the Gold award at the 2017 Vietnam International Dance Festival. Her recent work Phases - Within our control was presented at the Esplanade in 2021.

About Singapore Chinese Dance Theatre Creative Director Benedict Soh Kian Leng

Benedict is trained in both Chinese classical and contemporary dance under the mentorship of renowned dance choreographer and educator Ng Chay Kuang. He continues to hone his choreographic skills with acclaimed dance practitioners like Helen Herbertson and Don Asker throughout his career as a performer, educator and choreographer.

He holds a Master of Fine Arts with First Class Honours majoring in Choreography from the University of Melbourne (Victorian College of the Arts).

With more than 20 years of professional experience, Benedict has a flair for creating works that are original, visually arresting and resonating with the audience. A notable work of his is the 2008 Metamorphosis, which won the first place and Best Choreography and Contemporary Dance title at the 12th Europe New Prague Dance Festival. He has also been credited as the Creative Director and Resident Choreographer of Dance Horizon Troupe since 2001, contributing more than 20 works and two full-length features to the company’s repertoire.

The above sources are from Esplande official website