The Swede Who Lifted Singapore Ballet To New Heights | Singaporean At Heart - Part 1/4

Janek Schergen, a Swede who served as ballet master with the likes of Pennsylvania Ballet, Washington Ballet and Royal Swedish Ballet, never meant to live in Singapore.
But after being persuaded by his friend-the late great Singaporean choreographer Goh Choo San- to help debut one of its earliest professional dance companies in the 1980s, Janek finally set down roots here in 2008 as its artistic director. He has since created professional opportunities for local dancers, donated his own money to its development, and lifted Singapore Ballet to international standing.
WATCH MORE Singaporean At Heart: • Singaporean At Heart |...
0:00 Introducing Janek Schergen
1:05 Janek’s early years
3:44 Goh Choo San and initial ties to Singapore
7:00 Becoming artistic director of Singapore Dance Theatre
9:11 Taking Singapore Ballet to international standing
9:50 Why Janek takes the bus
10:51 Behind the scenes of Singapore Ballet
12:58 Janek’s artistic ‘daughter’
15:22 Why Singapore Ballet is different from other companies
19:55 The Swedish concept of society before individuality
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About the show: For decades, they have quietly contributed to Singapore in healthcare, social service, philanthropy and the arts. Join presenter Jo Tan to find out what they do, what drives them and why they consider themselves Singaporeans at heart.
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[@TaoDeLiFa]

He deserve a National Day Awards from Singapore. This is the least that Singapore can give to him for his contribution.

[@arieschen8672]

Cultural Medallion

[@officialdanceday]

Absolutely

[@compounding999]

absolutely!

[@jer2911.L]

His love for his art is immeasurable.

[@officialdanceday]

I think it's more immense SACRIFICE and his LIFE. He looks so unsupported and pale and haggard. My gawd hope he is well!

[@collho]

His contributions to the development of dance talent in Singapore is immense - surely deserving of a Cultural Medallion! (even if he's not a Singaporean/PR - they really should expand their criteria or allow exceptions to be made)

[@fevermagic]

We are truly privileged to have him lead SB. His commitment to the art form and the company is unparalleled. He also started and teaches the Ballet Associates Course for ballet students under SB and gives them opportunities to perform alongside the professionals; the students love, love, love him. Thank you Mr Janek!

[@Bonbon-C]

If there are exceptional cases where PR/Citizenship is to given.... it would be to people like him. This is what you call passion without asking anything in return. What a remarkable man.

[@allielian]

So admirable to be passionate about something for so long. Thank you for your contributions Mr Schergen to Singapore Ballet.

[@impopquiz]

You can see the burst of joy when he speaks of ballet.

[@cybergod77]

makes me want to watch their next performance...Thanks for your selfless dedication in building up our Singapore Ballet.

[@pringlessourcream9527]

Yes, must recognize him at N Day for his contribution to this little Red Dot as . gratitude

[@ChuaMuiLing-iy7lc]

Such passion for what he does! Truly inspiring.

[@ownthegame3]

Wow! A v good coverage of someone so passioned and his dedication to ballet and Singapore Ballet. Besides ballet, I guess his heart is still very Swede despite being heavily involved here. Thank you for your dedication here! Do take time and enjoy yourself too! I did not realise the joys of taking buses so much!

[@june4634]

Thank you Mr Schergen !! 🙏

[@brianlee3508]

Great appreciation for your contribution to the local art scene.😊

[@dpchait7793]

Wonderful You look amazing. It’s been at least 35 or more years since we’ve seen each other and you look amazing

[@mgc459]

What a surprise find on KZbin Thank you

[@pengseahang946]

Wow !! 👍🙏❤️❤️❤️

[@anghockseng5686]

Tks you

[@missg1946]

Thanks to so many devoted talents who put their time and effort in enhancing Singapore into such a beutiful and vibrant place.

[@officialdanceday]

Please support him to go back to Sweden for breaks at least!

[@amyg1073]

❤❤❤

[@officialdanceday]

This is terrible, he had to fund SBT with his own money?! And we all thought Singapore was ahead of SEA in Arts!

[@compounding999]

Its a crime if he is not recognised in SG

[@officialdanceday]

So why don't they pay him properly that he doesn't live in a hole of a space and has to take the bus? I have been to Singapore and his space is SMALL. That's probably his sofa bed he sleeps!

[@PAPhypocrisy]

The betrayal towards singaporean will never cease.