For Andy Benjamin Cai (@andybenjamincai), dancing is life. As Creative Director of the Music & Drama Company, Andy oversees all creative concepts initiated by the creative producers, takes part in collaborative discussions, explores new and innovative ideas, and helps bring creative ideas to life. 

It’s a role that comes naturally to Andy, who became interested in dance as a child. He later formally trained in the art, and now, as he prepares to celebrate his 40th birthday, enjoys a thriving career as a professional choreographer, educator and dancer.  

An early start

Andy studied at Lasalle College of the Arts, graduating from its dance programme in 2002. But his passion for dance began much earlier than that. 

“Music played a significant role in my life growing up,” he shares. 

“My family would watch iconic Hong Kong singers like Andy Lau and Aaron Kwok, and I used to be captivated by their dancing and the choreography of their shows.”

In Secondary Three, Andy’s school dance club tried to get more boys to participate in a dance competition. At the time, Andy did not have a CCA (co-curricular activity), so he was left with no choice but to join the dance club. It was then that he discovered that he had a natural talent for picking up and remembering choreography, despite not having any formal dance training. 

“After competing in several dance competitions, I found the courage to audition for a dance scholarship,” Andy continues. 

“This was when I started my formal dance training with Lionel Araya (a well-known American dance instructor) before joining Lasalle.”  

Making dance his profession

Andy has now been dancing professionally for 22 years and has a long list of accomplishments and awards to show for it. 

For instance, he’s represented Singapore in numerous global dance competitions in Italy, France and Russia, receiving Overall Champion titles and bringing back other prestigious awards. 

One of Andy’s proudest moments was being chosen as the Chief Choreographer for the Singapore National Day Parade (NDP) in 2017 and 2022, and for the third time for NDP 2024 this year. He also choreographed the Singapore National Vaccination Campaign videos and the inaugural Olympic Esports week in June 2023.

In 2019, he was handpicked to join the Music & Drama Company creative team as a choreographer. He admits that the job has been stressful at times.

“Choreographing important national events, including NDPs, came with a huge amount of pressure – I had to ensure that everything was executed flawlessly,” Andy points out. 

“When I first took on the role of Chief Choreographer for NDP 2017, I have to say that it was incredibly stressful. However, as the years passed, and the more NDPs I was involved in, I became more confident about my skills and felt better equipped to handle the demands associated with choreographing large-scale events.”

Dance as a form of expression

Andy no longer performs as much as he used to, but he still participates in dance classes. He also runs regularly to maintain his fitness and stamina. He says that as he gets older, he finds it a challenge to stay in shape. But he’s careful about what he eats, enjoying meals that are “balanced and nutritious”.

Work is a priority for Andy. In fact, he professes to being a workaholic and often finds himself apologising to family members for missing birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and other gatherings. But he maintains that family is important to him, so when he has time off work, he likes to spend it making precious memories with his loved ones. 

What Andy enjoys most about dance and choreography is that they help him to express his thoughts and emotions creatively, through physical movement. He adds that he loves all forms of dance, too. 

“I have a deep appreciation for all styles, because each one requires training, discipline and technique. Having trained in jazz, hip-hop, ballet, contemporary dance, locking and salsa, I find it difficult to choose a favourite. I enjoy all the challenges that come with each dance style.”

While he may be getting older, Andy isn’t likely to hang up his dancing shoes anytime soon. In fact, he dreams of someday opening his own performing arts college, where aspiring dancers can train and make their own artistic dreams come true. 

With dance having brought so much colour and joy to his life, Andy adds that he can’t imagine ever stopping what he’s doing, describing a life without dance as “boring”. 

Want more articles like this, and other lifestyle content right in your inbox? Download the new SAFRA mobile app and opt in for the eNSman Newsletter – you don’t need to be a SAFRA member to subscribe – and never miss another story!

The post Turning His Childhood Passion For Dance Into A Successful Career appeared first on eNSMAN.

In this instalment of free and affordable date ideas, we explore activities that will appeal to couples who have a limited budget but still enjoy poetic pursuits. After all, you can’t put a price tag on romance!

1. Visit art museums and galleries

Museum-hopping is a great way to view varied genres of art which encompass both contemporary and historical art forms. The best part, of course, is that many museums and galleries in Singapore offer local residents free entry.

If you only have time for one, then make a beeline for National Gallery Singapore. This leading visual arts institution, which oversees the world’s largest public collection of Singapore and Southeast Asian modern art, is housed in City Hall and the former Supreme Court, two national monuments that are in themselves, works of art.

While the redevelopment of the Singapore Art Museum’s heritage buildings at Bras Basah Road and Queen Street is still underway, Singapore’s very first art museum is more active than ever. Encounter museum art experiences at SAM @ Tanjong Pagar Distripark and via pop-up programmes across neighbourhoods islandwide. You can even wander with art as you stroll hand-in-hand through the Rail Corridor!

For more art to admire, head to the Affordable Art Fair Singapore this November – SAFRA members enjoy $5 off general entry and Arty-Licious Evening tickets. Find out more at safra.sg/affordable-art-fair-singapore-2023

2. Try light-painting

Love the annual i Light Singapore light art exhibition? Why not try your hand at light-painting? All you need is a torchlight or some sparklers, and a camera that can do long exposures. It doesn’t have to be a fancy DSLR – most smartphone cameras have this capability these days.

Simply set up your camera or phone on a stable spot (or use a tripod), set it to long exposure mode, and play around with your light source. You can draw silly pictures, write your names in the sky, and pepper your photo with hearts. Experimentation and having fun is the name of this game. You’ll not only capture cool photos but develop tons of memories too.

Just remember to schedule your date for after the sun sets and choose a venue that’s sufficiently dark. Consider the scenic rooftops of the Marina Barrage and Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant, popular late-night hangouts such as Yishun Dam and Woodlands Waterfront, or serene beaches along Pasir Ris Park or Punggol Promenade.

Extend your foray into light art and end the night at Wings of Time, Sentosa’s nightly fountain light show. SAFRA members enjoy 20% off standard tickets. Find out more at safra.sg/wings-of-time

3. Learn to dance

What’s more lovey-dovey than moving in sync, feeling the music, and connecting without saying a word? Whether it’s slow and elegant like a waltz, steamy like a tango, or just fun like busting out a move to your favourite song, dancing brings couples closer in a way that words can’t. Even if you have two left feet, your efforts will move your partner in more ways than one.

And taking dance lessons doesn’t even have to be expensive, thanks to courses that community clubs conduct around the island. Some start at just $5 per person! These range from ballroom dance and disco rock to traditional ethnic dances and of course, the ever-popular line dancing.

Some of these may not seem particularly romantic, but you’ll be having fun and sweating it out together. Not to mention getting a healthy, heart-pumping workout too. Prepare for an endorphin rush as you learn a new love language together.

If you’d like to try your feet at ballet as well, The Ballet Academy is offering a free trial exclusively for SAFRA members. Find out more at safra.sg/exclusively-for-safra-members-free-ballet-trial

4. Go to the theatre

In Singapore, the best place to immerse in performance arts if you’re pinching pennies is undoubtedly Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. Drop in for free live performances at the Esplanade Concourse every evening and the DBS Foundation Outdoor Theatre on weekends. And on one Sunday every month, the Concert Hall hosts concerts by homegrown orchestras and music ensembles – for free!

There’s extra to look forward to as we head into the last quarter of the year. Immerse in the power of folklore in Kalaa Utsavam – Indian Festival of Arts in November. Then in December’s instalment of da:ns focus, be drawn into infectious street dance in FL/OW – The FULL OUT Weekend.

Such festivals offer a mix of ticketed and free programmes, including interactive workshops that are either free or only require a minimal fee. These are generally conducted by the artists who are currently being showcased, so the activities will follow the same themes.

If your budget allows, SAFRA members enjoy up to 20% off tickets to Journey West – The Crimson Boy by Paper Monkey Theatre and Wild Rice’s Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs. Find out more at safra.sg/jw-thecrimsonboy & safra.sg/wild-rice-snow-white-the-seven-dwarfs

5. Discover art in science

You may think that the arts and sciences are two opposing subjects and never the twain shall meet. But think again. Both fields render ideas about the world into a form that allows the viewer to observe and interpret them. Besides, romance is art but chemistry is science, and when they mingle – magic happens!

Looking to delve further into this magical connection without burning a hole in your pocket? Head to the ArtScience Museum, where the portal to New Eden: Science Fiction Mythologies Transformed opens on 21 October. Then from 27 October, experience Samsara, a virtual reality journey of reincarnation that spans millions of years. Tickets start at just $16 per person.

Over at the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, you can wander through 2,500 sq m of gallery space dedicated to the art and science of natural history. View 2,000 specimens of flora and fauna, including the museum’s prized dinosaur skeletons and a slice of the tree that gave Changi its name.

SAFRA members enjoy 10% off admission tickets to the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum. Find out more at safra.sg/lee-kong-chian-natural-history-museum

6. Craft with flowers

Here’s a crafty idea for couples who love flowers and nature. Of course you could just admire the lush landscapes on a stroll through our world-famous gardens, but why not exercise your creativity while you’re there? That way, you’ll come home with a memento to remind you of a special date.

At the Singapore Botanic Gardens, you can join a free nature-sketching activity on the first Saturday of every odd-numbered month. Led by a volunteer artist, the next one happens on 4 November. You can also try various techniques involved in botanical illustration, such as sketching and mixing colours, at the Botanical Art Gallery.

Did you know that there are over 200 art sculptures scattered throughout Gardens by the Bay? Plus, with seasonal festivals and floral displays sprouting up all year long, no two visits are ever alike. Till 13 November, as you draw inspiration from the Mongolian-themed Chrysanthemum Charm floral display at the Flower Dome, you can also design your own floral fan or embroider leaf art in guided workshops.

Want to continue exploring the art of floral arrangement at home or simply surprise your significant other with a pretty bouquet? SAFRA members enjoy up to 20% off at AngelFlorist and Noel Gifts. Find out more at safra.sg/AngelFlorist & safra.sg/noel-gifts

Feeling peckish? Impress your date with dinner at one of these fancy but affordable places, at under $50++ for two. 

Save more with SAFRA! Enjoy special deals and discounts on dining, shopping, entertainment, travel, fitness and more from over 1,500 merchant outlets islandwide. Sign up or renew your SAFRA membership for three years at the price of 1 year ($43.20 inclusive of GST)! Plus, get your spouse and children on board to enjoy the same privileges too – 1st dependent pays $5.40/year, and it’s free for the 2nd dependent onwards. Visit safra.sg/savemore for more details. 

Want more articles like this, and other lifestyle content right in your inbox? Download the new SAFRA mobile app and opt in for the eNSman Newsletter – you don’t need to be a SAFRA member to subscribe – and never miss another story!

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A special bond is made when a child takes on a challenge with their parents by their side.

Even more so when it’s on a stage.

Performing, rehearsing and even composing original songs—it was a thrilling journey of laughter, fun and overcoming challenges together for kids and parents in the Families For Life Category of SAFRA Lil’ Stars 2021.

Organised by SAFRA Toa Payoh, it’s a competition for children to showcase their skills and talents in singing, dance and visual arts.

We asked some parent-child teams about their unforgettable moments!

Reach The Stars

1. What inspired you to start singing and performing as a family?

Mummy Selene: It all started when Shantelle came to me with a piece of music that she wrote herself. Both my hubby Daniel and I were surprised, as we don’t know how to write songs. After discovering Shantelle’s talent, we decided to give her more exposure by joining SAFRA Lil’ Stars.

2. Shantelle wrote the song all by herself? We’re impressed!

Mummy Selene: She wrote her first song when she was 7 years old, and “Reach The Stars” is her second, composed at age 8. Writing the lyrics was relatively smooth for her. Children are more imaginative at this age and can write creatively.

While she composed most of the tune by herself, she did face a challenge trying to make the song more structured in terms of having verses, a chorus and bridge. So we helped with suggestions to fine-tune it.

3. How does it feel to be the champions of Lil’ Stars 2021

Mummy Selene: Totally surreal. It’s the first time we performed as a family and we’re deeply honoured and elated to emerge champions. All the other contestants did very well too, and we’re very grateful to the judges for recognising our effort, as well as for their valuable comments.

4. What advice can you give other kids or families who are shy to sing or perform?

Mummy Selene: If you have the passion, go for it. Everything starts with taking the first step out, and with more practice, you’ll eventually curb that psychological barrier to performing on stage. SAFRA Lil’ Stars provides the perfect platform for kids and families to step out and gain experience in performing.

Yet Family

1. A song about the pandemic, that’s apt for these times.

Mirabelle: The first thing that came to my mind was to do a song to encourage Singapore during this pandemic to be strong and overcome all odds.

Papa Yet: I’m hoping this catchy tune and dance steps will go viral and give strength to others in these times!

Mirabelle: My dad is the creative song and music director, and we’ve been nurtured and exposed to music and the piano since young.

Mummy Michelle: Yes, like what Mirabelle said, Dad is always the ‘music man’ and very creative and inspiring in his song composition. He also wrote a song called ” Burn Bright” to encourage fellow social workers who might be facing burnout.

2. It’s not your first time at this competition, is it? What made you decide to compete again?

Mirabelle: My mum has always encouraged us to experience different competitions and experiences. And we get to bond as a family.

Mummy Michelle: We first entered Lil’ Stars 2016 when the teachers and principal at Sparkanauts at SAFRA Toa Payoh strongly encouraged us to join for fun. That was the very first family competition and the kids enjoyed themselves so much.

Through the years, we had great fun planning, rehearsing and performing as a family. Lil’ Stars has become a very special family event. We also took part in 2017 and 2018, while in 2019, Mirabelle and her friends joined as a dance group. This year’s virtual competition was again another unique bonding time!

3. What advice can you give for someone who might consider competing next year?

Manfred: No need to be too nervous, just enjoy.

Mirabelle: Don’t think about winning, have fun with your family!

Papa Yet: Creativity is in the air and the sky is the limit!

Mummy Michelle: Relax, have a great family time and just do it.

Lim Milo

1. What inspired you to sing and perform together?

Daddy Alvin: I wanted to give my daughter the experience and exposure of taking part in a competition. We also saw it as a great opportunity to spread some cheer and hope through our singing.

It was also a good time to teach her some singing techniques and what performing in front of others is like.

2. What was the biggest challenge you and Neriah faced?

Daddy Alvin: Neriah had a terrible case of stage fright, which surprised us. She had been very excited and happy just minutes before our turn. But the moment she stood up on stage, she just couldn’t sing and literally froze with fear.

Thankfully, the organizers allowed us to take a break first before coming back up on stage.

All I wanted my daughter to know was that winning is not the main thing, but that challenging her fears is.

All she needed to know is that Daddy is with her and will go through it with her. And all she needs to do, is what she has rehearsed and her best, because Daddy is already proud of her regardless of the results!

3. Tell us what you loved about performing in Lil’ Stars.

Daddy Alvin: It was fun and enriching for us. My daughter and I had special bonding times when we prepared, rehearsed and shot the videos for the competition and for the finals.

Lots of laughter and sweet memories created!

Watch the families and the other young talents as they sang, danced and created visual arts at SAFRA Lil’ Stars 2021. Catch the virtual event here!

And you don’t have to wait till next year. Why not make memories of your own with your kids right now? We’ve shortlisted some activities your children will love:

Kids Baking Workshop

Everything’s made with love when you’re bonding over baking with your young one at SAFRA Toa Payoh: www.safra.sg/whats-on/kidsbaking

Enchanted Kingdom

Halloween doesn’t always need to be scary. Pop by SAFRA Punggol for a fantastical time full of activities: www.safra.sg/whats-on/pgenchantedkingdom

Scientastic October

Learn and have fun as a family with science at SAFRA Jurong: www.safra.sg/whats-on/scientastic-october

The post A Family That Sings Together, Shines Together appeared first on eNSMAN.

It was another step towards stardom for Singapore’s young performers, who showcased their talent at SAFRA Lil’ Stars 2019, an annual competition organised by SAFRA Toa Payoh and supported by the Families for Life Council.

More than 200 children aged between five and 12 years of age competed in the dancing, singing, colouring and drawing events. Eleven-year-old Jyotsnaa Jayashanker, one of the finalists in the solo “Sing” category, was visibly nervous before she performed her number.

“I prepared a jazz number today called Take the ‘A’ Train by Nikki Yanofsky. The choice was inspired by my mum, who is also my trainer,” she said. “I found out about this competition from my mum, who learnt about it on Facebook.”

Parents were also getting stage jitters… for their kids. One was Tom Tan, who was there to cheer his 11-year-old daughter on. “My daughter participated last year. She wanted to try out again this year, so I encouraged her to go for it. But whether she wins or not, it does not matter – I’m just happy to be here to watch and encourage her,” he said.

The contest, in its seventh edition, introduced new visual arts categories for colouring and drawing – a live competition in which kids were put to the test of creating an artwork. In keeping with the newly introduced visual art category, families who attended SAFRA Lil’ Stars also had the opportunity to participate in a community-led art installation as well as colouring art templates that were created by local actor and author Edmund Chen, titled “Our Singapore, Our Home”.

The artwork, commemorating Singapore’s bicentennial celebrations, depicts a slice of its transformation from an island village to a metropolis. It also underlines the integral role of National Service in supporting Singapore’s rapid development, by paying tribute to the contributions of past and present NSmen in safeguarding Singapore’s sovereignty and peace.

Till SAFRA Lil’ Stars next year!

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