Singapore Ballet Makes Its Egyptian Debut
The Cairo Opera House is preparing to host Singapore Ballet for the first time in Egypt through two consecutive performances titled “Singapore Ballet Masterpieces.”
The shows will take place on Thursday and Friday, September 24 and 25, 2026, at 8 p.m. on the Main Stage.
The event is being held as part of celebrations marking 60 years of diplomatic relations between Egypt and Singapore, in cooperation with the Embassy of Singapore in Cairo, Singapore’s Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, and the National Arts Council.
The program brings together classical ballet and contemporary creativity through four different works that highlight the artistic identity of Singapore Ballet.
🎭 “Singapore Ballet Masterpieces” Features Four Works
The two performances feature four works covering different styles of dance and music.
The program includes “Momentum,” the second act of “Cinderella” as a pas de deux, “Evening Voices,” and a work inspired by Schubert’s Symphony No. 2.
The variety allows the audience to move between energetic contemporary movement, classical storytelling and more reflective choreography.
⚡ “Momentum”.. Elegant Movement and Fast-Paced Rhythm
The first work is “Momentum,” choreographed by Choo San Goh, with stage preparation by Janek Schergen.
The piece uses Sergei Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 1, with costumes designed by Keto Dansweer and lighting by Adrian Tan.
It is characterized by an elegant visual style and a fast, flowing rhythm and is performed by 10 dancers, including two principal couples.
The combination of movement, music and lighting gives the piece a dynamic opening and introduces the audience to one of the contemporary sides of Singapore Ballet’s repertoire.
👑 “Cinderella”.. The Prince Meets the Mysterious Girl
The second work presents the second act of “Cinderella” in a pas de deux format.
It is choreographed by Janek Schergen, with music by Sergei Prokofiev, costumes by Leonard Choo and lighting by Adrian Tan.
The scene follows Cinderella as she moves gracefully and quietly through the prince’s ball, trying not to be recognized.
Her encounter with the prince changes the atmosphere as she captures his attention from the moment they meet.
The presentation gives audiences an opportunity to experience one of ballet’s most familiar classic stories through movement and expressive choreography.
🌙 “Evening Voices”.. A Reflective and Spiritual Work
The third piece is titled “Evening Voices” and introduces a more reflective and spiritual atmosphere.
The choreography and costumes are by Tim Rushton, while Adrian Tan created the lighting.
The piece is based on religious choral works by Sergei Rachmaninoff and draws inspiration from his famous “Vespers” or “All-Night Vigil.”
Compared with the faster rhythm of “Momentum,” this work creates a quieter space where music, movement and lighting interact to produce a more contemplative atmosphere.
🎼 Schubert Symphony.. Music and Movement in the Final Piece
The fourth work is inspired by Franz Schubert’s Symphony No. 2, with choreography by Choo San Goh.
Carol Vue Kingston is responsible for the costumes, Janek Schergen handles the stage preparation, and Adrian Tan creates the lighting.
The piece was first presented in 1998 through a collaboration between its choreographer and Robert Magee.
Its inclusion in the current program adds another connection between classical orchestral music and large-scale ballet movement.
⭐ Singapore Ballet Led by Janek Schergen
Singapore Ballet will appear in Cairo under the artistic direction of Janek Schergen, who has been closely connected with the company for many years.
The company was founded in 1988 by Goh Soo Khim and Anthony Then and has developed into one of Singapore’s leading ballet institutions.
Its artistic identity combines classical ballet technique with contemporary creativity, giving dancers opportunities to perform both full-length classical productions and modern works.
🌍 An International Ballet Company
Singapore Ballet has built an international profile through performances and tours outside Singapore.
The company has presented 58 world premieres on major international stages and participated in international festivals, alongside artistic tours across different countries.
Its work also includes programs designed to encourage emerging choreographers and develop new dance creations, reflecting its commitment to expanding the artistic possibilities of ballet.
🇪🇬🇸🇬 Art Builds Cultural Bridges Between Egypt and Singapore
The “Singapore Ballet Masterpieces” performances carry a broader cultural dimension because they are connected to the celebration of 60 years of diplomatic relations between Egypt and Singapore.
The event gives Egyptian audiences an opportunity to discover Singapore’s ballet tradition while creating a space for cultural exchange through dance.
It also forms part of wider efforts to bring international artistic experiences to the stages of the Cairo Opera House.
🎟️ When to See “Singapore Ballet Masterpieces”
The two performances of “Singapore Ballet Masterpieces” are scheduled for September 24 and 25, 2026, at 8 p.m. on the Main Stage of the Cairo Opera House.
The program features four works with different musical and choreographic styles, giving audiences a single evening that moves between classical ballet and contemporary dance.
The performances mark Singapore Ballet’s first appearance in Egypt and arrive during an important anniversary in the relationship between the two countries.
✨ “Singapore Ballet Masterpieces” Offers a Distinctive Ballet Experience
Through “Momentum,” “Cinderella,” “Evening Voices” and the Schubert-inspired symphonic work, Singapore Ballet presents a program that moves between different moods, artistic traditions and forms of movement.
The evening combines energetic and reflective choreography, classic storytelling and contemporary dance, with music, costumes and lighting contributing to the overall theatrical experience.
Ultimately, “Singapore Ballet Masterpieces” represents a notable cultural event at the Cairo Opera House, marking Singapore Ballet’s first visit to Egypt while celebrating six decades of diplomatic relations between Egypt and Singapore.
Do you prefer classical ballet performances or productions that combine ballet with contemporary dance? 🎭💬
