WORLD DANCE ALLIANCE SINGAPORE

Welcome to WDA.SG, a chapter of the WDA Asia Pacific.

We are an inclusive non-profit organization in Singapore dedicated to the advancement and advocacy of dance in all its forms and discourses, from its art form to its sciences and allied wellness disciplines. We believe that dance is essential in a civil society, not only as a form of physical activity, but in the prevention of disease and in building a stronger, cohesive and diverse community.

Our Mission Vision Statement

WDA Singapore 2020 was reinvigorated with the desire to respond to the changing times, and the current team believes that the organization is now renewed to

Support all dance practitioners and dance groups in Singapore, from veterans to fresh talent, from dance researchers to wellness enthusiasts.
Open up doors that will help dancers in their artistic, educational and professional development.
Build on our dance heritage for the future of dance and its evolving impact to society.
Connect dance practitioners locally and globally through a safe space for exchange.
Cultivate a scientific and holistic approach in the safe practice of dance and movement.

Our Core Values

Integrity. We believe in the practice of our beliefs in inclusivity, diversity and the holistic approach to dance and movement.
Empathy. Our members strive to understand varied experiences and conversations about dance and its allied vocations and how it affects people.
Relevance. WDA strives to remain in tune with the most current artistic, scientific and technological information as they impact the safe practice of dance.

TEAM

Who We Are

XENRES KIRISHIMA

President

Xenres Kirishima is a multi-faceted individual who embodies balance, expression, and leadership. As a yoga teacher, taiji instructor, professional contemporary dancer, President of World Dance Alliance Singapore, and Director of Nagi Contemporary Dance Corps, Xenres seeks to instill a profound impact in the worlds of wellness, performing arts, and dance advocacy. With a compassionate approach, he guides his peers through transformative experiences, helping them find harmony and inner strength. As President of World Dance Alliance Singapore, Xenres advocates for dance as an art form, fostering collaboration and professional development. As Director of Nagi Contemporary Dance Corps, he leads the company in creating sensorial performances. Xenres's work has garnered recognition internationally, and he continues to inspire and effect positive change in the lives of those he teaches, collaborates with, and leads. Through his unwavering commitment to balance, expression, and leadership, Xenres Kirishima has left an indelible mark on the dance community and beyond.

Instagram: @xenres_kirishima

LAUREN BLAIR SMITH

Vice-President

Lauren Smith is the founder and Artistic Director of Lauren Blair Smith Dance Company. Lauren is a William R. Kenan Fellow at the Lincoln Center Education in New York, holds a BFA from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and graduated from the Singapore American School (PK-12). She is also an American Ballet Theatre Certified Teacher. As a professional, Lauren has performed in numerous productions in the United States, including the Broadway National Tour of "Fiddler on the Roof", and in Singapore. Her choreography has been featured in festivals around the world. As Vice-President of WDAS, Lauren is committed to advancing and advocating for dance in all its forms. She believes that dance is essential in a civil society and is excited to work with WDAS to build a stronger, more cohesive, and diverse community through dance.

To find out more: www.laurenblairsmith.com

Email: lauren@laurenblairsmith.com

Instagram: @laurenblairsmith / @laurenblairsmithdancecompany

MAYBELLE LEK

Secretary

Maybelle Lek is an Independent Freelance Dance Artist currently based in Singapore. Her ethos revolves around empowering individuals through the art of movement, both as medicine and as play to promote confidence, personal expression and empathy. Maybelle has performed in numerous venues across the UK, EU and Singapore. Maybelle is interested in topics and things that relate to everyday life, with a tinge of the whimsical. Her body of work has made significant influences in the local and international contemporary dance scenes, creating dance experiences that are imaginative, highly accessible and moving for audiences. An instinctive and natural collaborator, she has worked with visual artists, filmmakers, sound and fashion designers. Some highlights in her career thus far were being featured in Vogue Singapore and Candlelight Concerts.

To find out more: www.maybelle-lek.com

Instagram: @meyerbelles

ADELENE STANLEY

Treasurer

Adelene is a movement artist, choreographer, program curator, producer & founder of The Dance Circus (TDC). Her work over the past 10 years of her career has been splashed across local and international platforms, and includes performances, productions, events and classes. She is an award winning artist who joined dancers from The Royal Ballet & Rambert, alongside 3-time Grammy Award winners Soweto Gospel Choir in a production called INALA. In addition to the tours around the United Kingdom, Russia, China & Singapore, Adelene has had the opportunity to perform at the Royal Albert Hall in 2019 and in front of the British Royal Family during the Royal Variety Performance in 2014. Adelene is passionate in the transformational power of dance. Through her multidisciplinary work at TDC that spans across films, staged works, festivals & classes, she aims to spread the joy of movement to everyone regardless of age and ability.

To find out more: www.adelenestanley.com

Email: move@adelenestanley.com

Instagram: @adelenestanleycheah / @thedancecircus