Everybody Barre Now

Singapore Ballet is one of Asia’s leading dance companies, known for its strong classical foundation, dynamic contemporary repertoire, and a diverse ensemble of internationally trained dancers who perform across major venues in Singapore and abroad.

Kevin Zong, a New York native, trained at the School of First State Ballet Theatre, Shanghai Dance School, Next Generation Ballet and Ellison Ballet, later performing with First State Ballet Theatre and Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida before joining Singapore Ballet in 2021. Now a Soloist (2025), he has danced principal roles such as Romeo in Romeo & Juliet, Prince Florimund in Sleeping Beauty and Basilio in Don Quixote, alongside numerous works by Choo-San Goh, and is also a Harvard graduate.

Jessica Garside, from Perth, trained at Terri Charlesworth Ballet Centre, WAAPA, and Akademie des Tanzes in Mannheim, performing with Badisches Staatsballett Karlsruhe and West Australian Ballet before joining Singapore Ballet in 2017. Promoted to Demi-Soloist in 2026, she has danced roles including Carabosse in Sleeping Beauty, the Stepmother in Cinderella and Big Swans in Swan Lake, and is widely featured in neoclassical, contemporary and Choo-San Goh repertoire.

Founded in 1958 through the merger of the Frances School of Dancing and the Malaya School of Ballet, the Singapore Ballet Academy (SBA) was established under the leadership of Frances Poh, Vernon Martinus and Goh Soo Nee, and later came under the leadership of Goh Soo Khim. Dedicated to providing dance training of the highest standard and performance opportunities for young dancers, the Academy has played an important role in nurturing generations of talent and supporting the growth of dance in Singapore.

Today, SBA is associated with Singapore Ballet and continues to prepare aspiring dancers for professional careers. Many alumni have joined the company or pursued further training at leading international institutions such as the Australian Ballet School, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, English National Ballet School and the Rambert School. The Academy is currently led by Principal Mr Han Kee Juan and remains committed to excellence in ballet education.

Principal, Singapore Ballet Academy

Mr Han Kee Juan is the Principal of Singapore Ballet Academy and an internationally respected ballet pedagogue. Teaching since the 1970s, he has trained generations of dancers, including international competition prize-winners and principals and soloists of major ballet companies worldwide.

He has served as Director of the Arizona Ballet School and The Washington School of Ballet, and as faculty at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. A graduate of the Australian Ballet School, Mr Han performed with Sydney Dance Company, Goh Ballet (Canada), Indianapolis Ballet Theatre as Principal Dancer, and Boston Ballet as a Soloist.

A frequent international guest teacher and adjudicator, he is also the co-founder of the American Ballet Competition. His honours include five major teaching awards, notably the UNCSA Excellence in Teaching Award, Best Teacher/Coach at Youth America Grand Prix (2000, 2015), and the Dance Teacher Award for Teacher of the Year (2008). He has been featured on the cover of Dance Teacher Magazine and in the Singapore Encyclopaedia.