Singapore Ballet and klpac present Ballet Illuminations 2025

Singapore Ballet and the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac) will jointly present Ballet Illuminations 2025 from 21 to 23 November, in celebration of 60 years of friendship between Singapore and Malaysia. Supported by YTL Corporation Berhad and the Singapore High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, this year’s edition promises a rich repertoire that bridges tradition, innovation, and cultural exchange.

Celebrating shared cultural ties

Since its inception, Ballet Illuminations has become a staple in klpac’s programming, drawing strong followings from Malaysian audiences. This year’s performances carry deeper resonance as they coincide with the six-decade milestone of bilateral relations between the two nations.

“Singapore Ballet has been welcomed to klpac for the last 16 years. We are very appreciative and grateful that the audiences in Kuala Lumpur have responded to our performances so enthusiastically,” said Janek Schergen, Singapore Ballet’s Artistic Director. “This year, we are bringing three ballets from our repertoire that we have never presented in klpac. We hope the audience will find our performance unique and enjoyable.”

Dato’ Dr Faridah Merican, klpac’s Executive Producer, noted that the annual tour has become a highlight eagerly anticipated by many. “After a successful tour last year with an additional show due to overwhelming demand, we are excited to welcome them again as we celebrate 60 years of friendship between Singapore and Malaysia, including our long history of cultural ties among many artistes and creatives.”

Showcasing ballet nasterpieces

The programme will feature a selection of works from Singapore’s diverse repertoire, including two iconic pieces by the late Choo-San Goh, widely regarded as the first Asian choreographer recognised in the Western ballet world. Momentum, created for the Joffrey Ballet, will showcase sleek aesthetics and rapid pacing, while Fives will highlight Goh’s signature ability to translate music into sculptural dance movements.

Adding an international touch is Piano Concerto No. 2, Opus 102 by choreographer Edmund Stripe, first created for Singapore Ballet in 2007. The performance will feature an intimate pas de deux, emphasising purity of movement against Dimitri Shostakovich’s stirring composition.

Rounding off the programme is Act 2 of Cinderella, choreographed by Schergen. This unique retelling of the fairytale, which premiered to sold-out audiences in 2023, blends wit, drama, and elegance, brought to life with costumes and sets by Leonard Choo and Eucien Chua.

Nurturing future talent

Beyond the stage, Ballet Illuminations 2025 will also provide opportunities for young Malaysian dancers through a special masterclass conducted by Schergen on 22 November at klpac’s Pentas 1. Two scholarships will be awarded to talented Malaysian students, giving them the chance to train with Singapore Ballet for two weeks.

This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to nurturing regional talent while strengthening cross-border artistic collaboration.

Tickets for Ballet Illuminations 2025 are now available via www.cloudjoi.com. Full programme details can be found at klpac.org.