Ask ChatGPT about Dance (Building a World-Class Dance Industry in Singapore: Lessons from the World’s Best)
photo credits @culturecartelcon
Singapore’s street dance community has made inspiring strides in recent years — from local competitions and sold-out showcases to dancers representing the nation on international stages. And yet, many of us wonder: How can we take our dance culture even further?
In this first article of our Ask ChatGPT about Dance series, we explore what Singapore can learn from global dance powerhouses like Korea, Japan, and the USA — and how we can nurture a generation of dancers hungry to be among the world’s best.
Learning from Korea:
Building Platforms that Elevate Dancers
In Korea, street dance is woven into the entertainment industry. Programs like Street Woman Fighter and Be Mbitious don’t just showcase talent — they create national stars out of dancers. Choreographers and battlers alike become household names, gaining opportunities that extend far beyond the studio.
What can Singapore learn?
Invest in media platforms that spotlight local dancers.
Collaborate with production companies, broadcasters, and streaming platforms to create dance-centric content.
Encourage brands to work with dancers as cultural influencers, not just background performers.
The more visible dancers become, the more their craft is valued by the wider public — which in turn fuels more opportunities and sponsorship.
Learning from Japan:
Fostering Hunger and Competitiveness from Young
Japan’s young dancers are known worldwide for their astonishing skill and discipline. Many start at an early age, participating in a well-organised circuit of competitions, camps, and international exchanges.
Members of Ara Style Kids rehearse on stage, at a local festival in Tokyo, Japan, May 26, 2024. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
What can Singapore learn?
Encourage consistent and progressive training from a young age — not just “one-off” workshops or casual interest.
Support more opportunities for young dancers to experience competition and performance both locally and overseas.
Cultivate a mindset where competition is seen as growth, not just stress — helping dancers build resilience and ambition.
Learning from the USA:
Preserving the Culture & Community of Street Dance
As the birthplace of hip hop and street dance, the USA holds a rich dance culture — one that goes beyond technique to embrace community, history, and voice. Cyphers, battles, and jams aren’t just “events,” they’re spaces where dancers grow, exchange, and innovate.
photo credits https://itsshowtime.nyc/press
What can Singapore learn?
Preserve the roots of street dance culture, beyond polished stage performances.
Keep the community spirit alive through jams, cyphers, and informal gatherings — not just competition stages.
Encourage mentorship between generations of dancers.
But What About Singapore’s Culture?
In Singapore, academic success and career advancement have traditionally been top priorities. Many young people — and their parents — see dance as an extracurricular activity, rather than a life pursuit. Comfort and stability are valued; risk-taking is often avoided.
Yet, for Singapore’s dance industry to thrive globally, we need more dancers willing to put in world-class effort. So how do we inspire that hunger in a culture like ours?
Possible Ways Forward for Singapore
Redefine Success:
Help students, parents, and the public understand that dance can offer career paths — not just as performers, but as choreographers, educators, content creators, and entrepreneurs.Increase Opportunities Abroad:
Encourage young dancers to travel, exchange, and experience the hunger and competitiveness of international dance scenes.Mentorship & Role Models:
Spotlight Singaporean dancers who have succeeded abroad or built unique careers — showing the next generation that it can be done.Stronger Community Culture:
Balance technical excellence with street dance’s cultural values: respect, individuality, history. Dancers who feel connected to their craft stay hungry for more.More Industry-Linked Projects:
Create partnerships between studios, media, brands, and government bodies to build a more robust dance industry ecosystem.
Final Thoughts
Singapore may be a young dance nation compared to Korea, Japan, or the USA. But with deliberate effort — and hunger from our dancers — we can absolutely grow a street dance culture that stands proudly on the world stage.
It will take time. It will take patience. But it will also take vision. And that’s where communities like ours — here at Legacy Dance Co. — can play a vital role.