Management Team

Discover the inspiring journey and experiences of our management team, whose passion and dedication have shaped the artistic direction of Dance Ensemble Singapore.

 

Mdm Yan Choong Lian 严众莲女士

Founder, Artistic Advisor 创办人及艺术顾问

Mdm Yan Choong Lian began her dance career in 1972 and joined the National Dance Company of Singapore in 1975, where she had principal roles in “Cowherd and Maiden”, “Story of Wang Hek”, “Farewell to a Warrior” and other iconic productions and dances.

Her dedication to the art form led her to study at various instituitions in Hong Kong and Beijing where she honed her skills in both traditional and contemporary Chinese dance.

As the founder and Artistic Advisor of Dance Ensemble Singapore, she has been pivotal in crafting innovative performances that celebrate cultural heritage while embracing modern influences. Her leadership and vision continue to inspire dancers and audiences alike, making her an integral part of our company’s success.

Ms. Sharon Low 卢雪萍女士

Dance Director 舞蹈总监

Ms. Sharon Low began her dance training at a young age with Dance Ensemble Singapore. Her exceptional talent and dedication led to her selection at the prestigious Martha Graham Academy, where she graduated in 1998 with outstanding results. As a member of the pioneering batch from Dance Ensemble Singapore, she not only honed her skills but also played a key role in nurturing and mentoring young aspiring dancers.

Throughout her career, Ms. Low has actively choreographed numerous works for the company and has collaborated with esteemed choreographers such as Pearl Lang, Kunyang Lin, Zeynep Tanbay, and Virginie Merce, further enriching her diverse and dynamic creative journey.

 

Ms. Cai Shiji 蔡适吉女士

Artistic Director 艺术总监

Shiji’s passion for dance ignited at a young age, leading her to train with DES Arts as a child before embarking on a professional career as a performing artist. In 2009, she was awarded the NAC Bursary to pursue a Master’s in Choreography at Purchase State College in New York, where she excelled academically and was recognized for her outstanding graduation results. Her graduation works were selected for prestigious performances, including the Haiti Fundraising Event and the Dumbo Dance Festival in New York. Upon her return to Singapore, Shiji took on the role of Artistic Director with Dance Ensemble Singapore, where she continues to inspire and shape the future of dance in the local arts scene.

 

Ms. Goh Yandan 吴燕丹女士

Creative Director 创意总监

Yandan was trained under the mentorship of Artistic Advisor Mdm Yan Choong Lian, she completed her professional dance training and graduated with a dance-teaching certificate from DES. Her remarkable talent was further showcased when she won second prize at the prestigious Dance Ensemble Singapore Youth Dance Competition.

A passionate ambassador for Singapore’s arts scene, Ms. Goh has performed extensively both locally and internationally, representing the country in countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Macau, Turkey, Spain, France, New Zealand, Japan, Cambodia, the USA, and China. She has also had the privilege of collaborating with internationally acclaimed choreographers, including John Mead (USA), Lin Kun Yang (USA), Ying Er Ding (Macau), Janis Brenner (USA), Kevin Wynn (USA), and Gideon Obarzanek (Australia, Chunky Move).

Her broad and varied experiences as a choreographer, dancer, and educator bring a unique and invigorating perspective to DES Arts productions, enriching the company’s creative landscape.