Singapore Ballet to Make Historic Egyptian Debut at Cairo Opera House This September

In a landmark cultural event, the Singapore Ballet is set to make its highly anticipated debut in Egypt this September. 

The premier company will grace the stage of the Cairo Opera House’s Main Hall on September 24–25, 2026, marking a major milestone in both the company's international touring history and the cultural ties between the two nations.

The performances are organized to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Singapore-Egypt Diplomatic Relations. Backed by Singapore's Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth alongside the National Arts Council, the engagement promises a rare and profound cultural exchange. 

Bridging Nations Through Dance

Dr. Reda El Wakil, Chairman of the National Cultural Centre at the Cairo Opera House, expressed great enthusiasm for the historic collaboration: "It is our immense honour to host Singapore's premier ballet company for their historic, first-time performance in Egypt, inaugurating the new season on the stage of the Cairo Opera House's Main Hall... Singapore's Ballet Company has prepared an extraordinary repertoire that masterfully bridges classical heritage and modern innovation."

Singapore’s Ambassador to Egypt, Mr. Dominic Goh, highlighted Singapore's identity beyond its economic prestige: "While Singapore is well-known for its good governance and economic success, we are also a vibrant global arts hub. To mark this important anniversary, it is fitting that the Singapore Ballet makes its first performance in Egypt—one of the oldest civilisations and cultural centres in the world."

A Dynamic Repertoire

Cairo audiences will experience a diverse, carefully curated program demonstrating the company’s versatility, bridging classical foundations with contemporary innovation: 

Momentum by Choo-San Goh: Awarded First Prize for Choreography at the prestigious Varna International Ballet Competition in 1983, this piece opened the Kennedy Center's "10,000 Dreams" festival in 2024.

Cinderella pas de deux by Janek Schergen: A breathtaking classical excerpt that performed to consecutive sold-out crowds in 2023 and 2025.

Schubert Symphony by Choo-San Goh: Originally created for The Washington Ballet, showcasing the late choreographer’s technical genius.

Evening Voices by Tim Rushton: A spiritual, moving contemporary work created for the company in 2018. 

20 Years of Artistic Vision

The tour lands at a poignant moment for the Singapore Ballet, as Artistic Director Janek Schergen celebrates 20 seasons at the helm and 38 years with the organization. Under his leadership, the company has expanded to over 30 dancers, building a massive repertoire that features 58 world premieres and preserves one of the largest bodies of works by Asian choreographers globally.

"International touring has been part of Singapore Ballet's journey since the early years," Schergen noted. "In Cairo, we look forward to sharing a programme that reflects the richness of the repertoire we present in Singapore, while fostering meaningful connections through dance."

Following successful tours to Washington D.C. and Kuala Lumpur, Singapore Ballet is looking to continue its global momentum with future discussions already underway with world-class venues like London's Linbury Theatre and New York's Joyce Theatre.

Tickets and performance times for the September 24–25 showcase will be made available through the Cairo Opera House box office.