Tanglin Arts Studio of Dance: develop self-esteem and confidence through dance
Tanglin Arts Studio of Dance
100 Turf Club Road, #01-02 Horsecity Block K. Tel: 6479 0304, www.tanglinartsdancestudio.com, Email: happyfeetsingapore@yahoo.com
Business established: Six years
Niche: Children's dance classes
Tanglin Arts Studio of Dance was started in 2005 by Kathleen Quinn and acquired in late 2011 by Katja. The School aims to instil a love of dance in children by offering a curriculum which focuses primarily on the development of self-esteem and confidence, and then technique. The dance school offers a variety of styles including ballet, tap, jazz, acro-dance and hip hop, and there are scheduled classes available combining the different disciplines. Advanced dancers can also experience a challenging technical and performance-based programme at the Studio. Movement teachers are experienced at dealing with students from a variety of dance backgrounds.
TF: Why did you decide to run a dance school?
KP: I've been living in Asia for almost 17 years. During this time I have volunteered in schools, dance studios and for charities. When I was given the opportunity to take over Tanglin Arts Studio of Dance I decided this was my chance to do something I really enjoyed. My background in hospitality management and accounting helped me understand the business aspect of the School and being a parent helped me understand what extra curricula activities were required in the area of dance here in Singapore.
TF: Besides the physical aspects, how else does dance benefit a child?
KP: Dance compels students to memorise moves set to music. When a child successfully does this, the achievement automatically boosts their self-esteem. This new found confidence is further exhibited when they perform on stage - it becomes part of the dancer and the person.
TF: Your daughters are also students at the School. What changes have you seen in them since they started dancing?
KP: I have two daughters, aged seven and 18. They both do ballet, tap, jazz and acrobatics and have danced in different countries. My eldest started at age six with disco freestyle and then progressed to ballet. My youngest started with both disco freestyle and ballet when she was only two years old. Because of their dance background they have great postures, are quite flexible and never shy away from performing on stage.
TF: Could you tell us about some of the special programmes available?
KP: The Happy Feet Dance programme focuses on our youngest students. It allows them to explore dance in a fun way, through adventurous scenarios, while developing their memory. We also have dance parties which have become hugely popular and are perfect for celebrating a birthday. They start with a series of games followed by dancing then some well-deserved birthday cake, followed by more dancing and games. The party ends with all the children giving a performance.
TF: Plans for the future?
KP: We will soon offer adult classes in tap, jazz and Zumba. We're also hoping to attract more male students and have plans in the pipeline to open a second School on the East Coast where we have a number of students and interest is high.
Posted Nov 2011
