NUS Arts Festival 2025: CROSSROADS
Balance is the silent force that governs our lives. In a world where social mores often clash with personal convictions, survival often means finding a compromise between being our true selves, and conforming to the expectations of others
NUS Dance Ensemble (NUSDE) presents Equilibrium?, a dance performance that seamlessly blends contemporary and cultural influences. Featuring works by students, guest choreographers, and student choreographers from CFA3220 Intercultural Choreography Lab, Equilibrium? invites audiences to reflect on the delicate art of balance and its implications on the human experience.
Late Seating Policy
Latecomers cannot be admitted until an appropriate break in the show. For shows without an intermission, latecomers may risk being denied entry if there is no appropriate break in the show.
Admission of Children
All children require a purchased ticket for entry. As a courtesy to other audience members, infant in arms ad prams, and children below six years of age cannot be admitted for ticketed shows.
Photography, Audio and Video Recording
Photography and all manner of unauthorised audio and video recording are strictly prohibited.
Access
UCC Theatre is wheelchair accessible. Please contact us at [email protected] before purchasing your tickets if you have access requirements.
Advisory
This show may use theatrical haze, strobe lighting and loud sounds. Viewer discretion is advised.
For queries or more information, please contact us at [email protected].
All information is correct at time of publishing but may be subject to change without prior notice.
The Organiser reserves the right to amend the above without prior notice. In the event of any dispute, the Organiser’s decision is final.
Zaini Mohd Tahir | Artistic Director
Zaini began dancing at 19 with the Singapore Armed Forces Music and Drama Company and pursued his passion for the performing arts after graduating from the National University of Singapore. As a dancer and choreographer, he worked on projects in Japan, Germany, Canada, and the United States, with notable performances including Beauty World, Private Parts, and CATS, where he toured extensively across Asia and Australia.
Since founding NUS Dance Ensemble (NUSDE) in 1992, Zaini has served as its Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer, leading the ensemble of over 120 dancers to acclaim as a contemporary Asian dance company. He has choreographed and directed over 100 works, including The Next Wave, Dance Reflections, and Evocation, and has represented NUSDE at numerous international festivals. His award-winning works, such as Remember When (2017) and Past.Presence.Future (2021), highlight his ability to explore complex themes with creative excellence.
NUS Dance Ensemble
Founded in 1992 by Resident Choreographer and Artistic Director Zaini Mohd Tahir, NUS Dance Ensemble (NUS DE) is a dynamic group primarily consisting of NUS undergraduates and supported by its dedicated alumni.
Known for its unique style of Asian Contemporary dance, NUS DE seamlessly incorporates the richness of Asian traditions with western jazz, ballet and contemporary techniques to create performances that are both modern and rooted in cultural heritage. Through its innovative interpretations of ethnic elements, NUS DE has gained widespread recognition for its unconventional repertoire. Since its first concert at Kallang Theatre in 1992, NUS DE has been staging two major annual productions – Evocation and The Next Wave.
NUS DE has also represented Singapore on the international stage, performing at the China-ASEAN Youth Arts Festival in Guizhou in 2008 and earning accolades at the New Prague Dance Festival in 2009, where it won awards for Best Choreography and a Special Personal Award from the Festival Director. In 2012, NUS DE collaborated with De La Salle University-College of San Benilde and presented its works at ObservAsian in Manila and in Singapore. Additionally, in July 2016, NUS DE participated in the International Youth Dance Festival in Macau, further cementing its reputation as an ambassador for Singapore’s arts and culture.
Beyond performances, NUS DE aspires to be a platform for collaborative work between dance companies and institutions across Southeast Asia, fostering creativity, cultural exchange, and artistic growth.