Our Story | www.kavanaghdance.co

Mrs Ruby Kavanagh

Founder's Message

Dance has always been at important part of my life. From twirling around the house as a little child to any music I could hear, to stepping into my first ballet class with an inspiring teacher who instilled in me the perfect balance of technique, creativity, and the joy of performing arts.

My teaching journey began over forty years ago as a student teacher, and it’s from those humble beginnings that Kavanagh Dance was born—a place where children can embrace my love for music and movement while having fun as they learn. Our mission is to equip them with skills that go beyond dancing—confidence, self-motivation, and discipline—values that not only shape great dancers but also successful, well-rounded individuals.

Then To Now:

A Vibrant Journey

A Glimpse Through The Years

1970s

Kavanagh Dance School Was Established

Kavanagh Dance™ [KD] was started in 1972 and has been growing and nurturing very young children in the field of dance.

1990s

Bringing C.S.T.D Syllabus to Singapore

KD was one of the early pioneers to bring in C.S.T.D. based dance syllabi to Singapore, laying a significant foundation in dance education and elevating the standard of performing arts education, particularly in ballet.

Supporting Dance Curriculum In MOE Schools

Appointed Dance Education Partner at CHIJ OLN since 1992 till now, executing dance curriculum such as Programme for Active Learning (PAL), Dance CCA, etc.

Mrs Kavanagh was the Performing Arts Coordinator for Raffles Girls’ Secondary School for 25 years. Since then, KD has been strongly involved in dance education programmes with Primary, Secondary and International schools, and has successfully choreographed for numerous dance competitions at Singapore Youth Festival and for a variety of gala performances.

KD has partnered with schools such as CHIJ Schools, MGS, Ahmad Ibrahim Sec, St. Margaret's School (Sec), St. Nicholas Girls' School, Jiemin Pri, Horizon Pri, Yio Chu Kang Sec, Deyi Sec, from coaching the first SYF Dance Competition to Dance CCA.

Training Early Childhood Educators In Dance

KD has been a partner for Dance, Music & Movement for the People’s Community Foundation (PCF) Training Centre, CSTD Professional Development Courses for Dance Teachers, held in conjunction with the Ministry of Education (MOE), Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) branch.

Courses for Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) and National Arts Council (NAC) are also offered.

Engaging in Public Dance Performances

KD's first participation in Singapore's Chingay Parade took place in 1997, with a whimsical performance based on the theme "Alice in Wonderland." This marked a creative milestone for our dance school, as we brought Lewis Carroll’s fantastical world to life on the streets of Singapore.

The performance featured characters such as Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts, and the White Rabbit, all set against the vibrant backdrop of Chingay’s multicultural celebration.

2000s

Bringing Joy To The Community

We have brought dance to life in the community through our active participation in events and local initiatives, and collaborations with various organization — spreading joy and making positive impact with every dance. For example, KD had performed at the Breast Cancer Foundation's fundraising event, graced by then-Prime Minister Mr. Goh Chok Tong.

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Ms Heather Meldrum with Kavanagh Dance student, Foo En Rui

Pioneering CSTD Modern Jazz, Tap, and Musical Theatre

In the early 2000s, KD became the first in Singapore to introduce the CSTD syllabi for Modern Jazz, Tap, and Musical Theatre.

These additions provided a comprehensive curriculum, enhancing students' technical skills and creative expression. KD's pioneering efforts significantly contributed to the diversity and growth of dance education in Singapore.

Presenting At Early Childhood Convention for Creative Movement

In 2013, KD was invited as a Speaker-Trainer at the Early Childhood Convention, focusing on how creative movement supports motor skills, self-expression, and cognitive growth in young children. This highlighted the school’s leadership in promoting the benefits of dance in early childhood development.

Recent Years

Accredited as a SSG-Programme Training Partner for ECDA Course

In 2017, KD became an accredited SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) Programme Training Partner for the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) course. This enabled the school to provide specialized training programs, equipping educators to incorporate creative movement and dance into early childhood curricula, fostering children's holistic development.

Started First Overseas Branch in Cambodia - Phnom Penh

In the same year, KD opened its first overseas branch in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, bringing its high standards of dance education to a new community, promoting dance beyond Singapore. The move not only inspired but elevated the skills and expertise of the local dance community in Phnom Penh. This further strengthened KD’s presence and contribution to dance training in Southeast Asia.

"Together for our Future" - PCF Family Day 2019

KD had the honour of choreographing for the PAP Community Foundation's Family Day, celebrating family bonding and community spirit. KD created a vibrant and inclusive performance that highlighted the joy of family connections through movement. The choreography was designed to be accessible and enjoyable for participants of all ages, fostering a sense of togetherness and celebration.

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Photo taken from S.M. Mr Lee Hsien Loong's Facebook

Resiliently Navigated Through the COVID Years

KD swiftly adapted by launching its first online CSTD Modern Jazz and ballet classes in 2020, allowing students to continue their dance education from home. The school also created online dance tutorials, providing valuable resources for independent practice.

In 2021, KD implemented online CSTD exams, enabling students to demonstrate their progress remotely. The school also participated in the CSTD DigiComp 2020, a virtual competition that allowed dancers to showcase their talents on a global stage.

Performing For Digital Chingay 2021

KD had the honour of contributing to the Digital Chingay in 2021, adapting its vibrant performances for an online audience amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Transitioning from the traditional live street parade to a virtual format, we infused our signature creativity and energy into the production, ensuring that the essence of Chingay’s multicultural celebration was preserved.

KD Dance Recital 2023:
Celebrating 50th Year of Dance Education with a Magical Disney-Themed Recital

In 2023, KD proudly celebrated 50 years of dance education with a spectacular dance recital themed around Disney World. This milestone event was a vibrant showcase of talent, creativity, and nostalgia, featuring performances inspired by beloved Disney characters and stories.

This celebration not only marked Kavanagh Dance’s rich history but also highlighted the joy and magic that dance brings to both performers and spectators alike.

KD's Teaching Faculty

Our teachers are selected for their ability to communicate with children and come from a variety of dance backgrounds including Ms Chan and Ms Gloria who have both dedicated many years to working with early childhood development as well as teaching beautiful technique and instilling a love of dance to the younger classes.

We are also proud to include a number of former students as student teachers who share their learning experiences from Kavanagh Dance with their young students. Our senior students are not only trained in the C.S.T.D majors syllabus but are taught by teachers from all over the globe so they are able to learn other styles of classical ballet and become artistes rather than simply learning set work.