Multi Cultural Dance Society
Discover how multi-Cultural Chinese Dance Society helps students explore different dance styles and build life skills like teamwork and resilience through performances.
The Multi Cultural Dance Society brings together three dance disciplines at Riverside: Chinese Dance, Malay Dance and Indian Dance.
Chinese Dance
Aims
Chinese Dance aims to:
Expose students to different forms of Chinese Dance and instil in them a passion for the arts; and
Provide opportunities for students to learn life skills such as teamwork, professionalism and communication through dance performances.
Teachers-in-charge
Ms Chong Pey Yi
EXCO
Viona Lim Yu En - Chairperson
Zheng Jiayi - Vice Chairperson
Zhao Xuanjie - Secretary
Ezen Bu Yu En - Logistics
Bernide Leong Zi Qi - Make-up and Hair IC
Swa Yee Shan - Publicity
2025 Key Events and Achievements
Singapore Youth Festival Arts Presentation (Certificate of Accomplishment). Our dancers proudly showcased a performance titled “夜舟灯影 Lights of the Night River”. In the ancient city at night, lights glow, crowds bustle, and mist lingers by the river. Lanterns dance in the wind, their reflections shimmering on the water, like a dream. With great pride, Riverside Chinese Dance accepted a Certificate of Accomplishment recognising their outstanding performance. The Chinese dance troupe also had the opportunity to perform this dance on Speech Day.
Chinese New Year Concert 2025. Our dancers proudly showcased a performance titled “天上草原 Heavenly Grassland”. The sky and earth, wind and clouds, the vast grassland, Mongolian women dressed in fine attire, singing hymns. The bold and free spirit of the Mongolian people blends with the grandeur of the vast grassland. They exude elegance, grace, and a natural sense of self. The girls danced to their heart’s content, spreading happiness among the audience with their performance item.
During SYF training this year, I gained valuable insight into the importance of initiative and self-discipline. When it wasn't our turn to perform, I noticed that many of us would chat or rest, but I realised the time could be used more effectively by practising independently. I took the lead in doing so and encouraged others to join me. This small effort improved our performance and fostered a more focused environment. Through this experience, I learned that leadership is not always about authority. It often begins with small, consistent actions that inspire and motivate others.— Viona Lim, Chinese Dance
Malay Dance
Aims
Malay Dance aims to:
Preserve and promote the five basic genres of Malay Dance as the foundation for our dancers;
Develop versatile dancers who are ready to perform all types of Malay Dance with techniques, expression, and sharpness in movement; and
Uphold the identity and sense of belonging to Riverside Malay Dance.
Teachers-in-charge
Mdm Natasha Binte Imran (Lead Malay Dance)
Mdm Natrah Binti Ibrahim
EXCO
Hadreen Lya Ishtar Binte Hafeez - Chairperson
Muhammad Ezra Anaqi Bin Muhammad Faizal - Vice-Chairperson
Misy’al Humaira Binte Azman, Mulhim Bin Muhammad Hafiz and Jufri Bin Zuraidi - Logistics
Daeng Rescha Putri Layyana, Mohamad Danish Fakhri and Azfarizman Bin Azman - Technique Choreographers
Imam Asy Syaukani Bin Mohammad Naser and Nur Safa’ Amira Binte Abdullah - Welfare
2025 Key Events and Achievements
Singapore Youth Festival Arts Presentation (Certificate of Accomplishment). “Bayang Tarian Semalam” (The Shadow of Yesterday’s Dance) reflects the dancers’ dedication and passion as they explore the legacy of Malay dance, where each step echoes the grace of the past while embracing contemporary expression. Blending traditional Zapin and Samrah movements influenced by Arab culture, the performance celebrates the warmth, respect, and joy of Malay cultural traditions. Through months of teamwork and hard work, the dancers achieved a Certificate of Accomplishment at the Singapore Youth Festival (SYF), and later showcased their performance proudly during the school’s Speech Day celebration.
Hari Raya Concert 2025. To enliven the celebrations of the Hari Raya Concert, the Malay Dance group presented a lively and engaging dance mash-up featuring popular and upbeat festive songs. Through dynamic movements and radiant expressions, the dancers bring to life the joy, warmth, and spirit of togetherness that define Hari Raya. Their performance not only adds vibrancy to the concert but also highlights the beauty of Malay culture and tradition in a contemporary and celebratory way.
Participating in the Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) 2025 was a meaningful yet challenging experience. As my first SYF and my role as Chairperson of Malay Dance, I faced intense rehearsals, repeated mistakes, and the pressure of balancing leadership with academics. However, the journey taught me valuable lessons in communication, confidence, and resilience. I learned to embrace mistakes, seek help when needed, and step out of my comfort zone. Beyond improving as a dancer, I grew as a leader, more self-assured, adaptable, and open to learning. SYF 2025 was truly an enriching and unforgettable milestone in my secondary school journey.— Hadreen Lya Ishtar Binte Hafeez, Malay Dance
Indian Dance
Aims
Indian Dance aims to:
Preserve and promote classical, Bollywood, and folk Indian dance to our students;
Foster friendships and social integration amongst students of diverse backgrounds; and
Cultivate a sense of identity and belonging to Riverside and develop an informed and life-long involvement in Indian Dance.
Teachers-in-charge
Mrs Kumar (1st IC)
EXCO
Gudamarlahalli Shivashankar Rishitha - Chairperson
Samyukthaasri Sivasankar - Vice Chairperson
Anuja Kailasan - Secretary
Dharmar Kaniga - Costume I/C
Pradhan Ayushi - Jewellery I/C
Aditi Suresh Babu - ICT I/C
Shimeen Asfiyah Binte Anees Ahamed - Upper Sec I/C
Dhiya Vinodh Kumar - Lower Sec I/C
2025 Key Events and Achievements
Singapore Youth Festival Arts Presentation (Certificate of Distinction). “Praise of Lord Shiva” (Contemporary Dance) showcases the dancers’ dedication and passion as they explore Indian dance, blending classical techniques with expressive performance. The performance draws inspiration from traditional Indian storytelling and devotional themes, allowing the dancers to convey emotion, rhythm, and cultural heritage through movement. After months of practice and teamwork, the dancers achieved a Distinction at the SYF, highlighting their skill, creativity, and commitment. This dance was later showcased proudly during the school’s Speech Day celebration.
Being part of the Indian Dance CCA has been a truly enriching experience. I have had the opportunity to perform at the Singapore Youth Festival, National Day celebrations, Deepavali events, and even at the Istana. Through these performances, I've learnt the value of perseverance and teamwork, especially when overcoming challenges like injuries or mastering difficult choreography. As the chairperson, I've also developed leadership and discipline when leading the CCA and learning how to guide and motivate my team who are also my peers! Indian Dance has not only deepened my appreciation for culture and tradition but has also shaped me into a more confident, disciplined, and resilient individual.— Gudamarlahalli Shivashankar Rishitha, Indian Dance
