Jeffrey Tan

Singaporean Jeffrey Tan is a home-grown talent with rich professional experience. He is one of Singapore’s most highly qualified performers, choreographers and educators; he graduated with a Masters of Fine Arts from the Queensland University of Technology and received an Educational Grant for Postgraduate Study (Masters) in 2003. He was also a recipient of the Singapore Young Artiste Award (Excellence in Dance) in 2000. Despite beginning his dance career only at age 21, Jeffrey has gathered critical acclaim for his performance ability and choreography all over the globe when he toured the United States, Australia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia and London.

The resident choreographer for Singapore Dance Theatre from 2004 to 2008, Jeffrey created his full length version of The Little Mermaid and The Nutcracker, as well as many well-received choreographies such as Façade, The Full length Nutcracker. His desire to inspire and create has brought him to work with various dance and theatre companies such as T.H.E Dance Company, Queensland Ballet, The New Zealand School of Dance, W!ldRice, Toy Factory, Singapore Repertory Theatre and the Singapore Lyric Opera.

Jeffrey’s vision and direction in the arts has seen him take up the position of chief choreographer and choreography director for National Day Parades in 2010 and 2011 respectively, artistic director for Singapore Shanghai World Expo Show 2010, choreographer for APEC 2009 and Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize opening performance 2011. Contributing to Singapore’s tourism industry, he was the chief choreographer for Resorts World Senstosa’s theatrical experience Voyage De La Vie in 2010.

As an educator, Jeffrey believes in creating a conducive and nurturing environment for creativity and artistic development. Much of which he aims to share is drawn from his extensive accolades and experience. Having taught at School of The Arts Singapore, he hopes to be an inspiration and mentor to young talents and develop them to their fullest potential.

Recently, Jeffrey has highlighted his ability to judge and critique dancers when he was part of a ballet jury for the Nacwork competition in 2016 and the Indonesian Grand Prix in 2017. Previously, Jeffrey has showcased his propensity for teaching as the Head of Dance in the Singapore Chinese Girls’ School and the Principal of the Singapore Ballet Academy. In addition, he received the Educational Grant for Postgraduate Study (Masters) in 2003. This passion and ability for educating young dancers then lead Jeffrey to found the Jeffrey Dance Academy (JDA) in 2016.

Now, Jeffrey is focusing on JDA as artistic director and principal. When he is not at the academy, he is undertaking large projects such as being chief choreographer of the 2017 ASEAN School Games and a choreographer for Michael Chiang’s Army Daze 2.