Maya Dance Theatre (MDT), established in 2007, is a Singapore-based non-profit dance theatre known for its innovative fusion of traditional Asian dance with contemporary techniques. Led by Kavitha Krishnan, MDT creates performances that address social issues, explore cultural identities, and promote inclusivity. The company collaborates with international artists across music, visual arts, and theatre, pushing artistic boundaries. MDT’s commitment to social impact is exemplified by the Diverse Abilities Dance Collective (DADC), founded in 2018, where professional and diversely abled dancers collaborate. Recognized for its contributions, MDT received the SEED Grant from Singapore’s National Arts Council and is a Citizen Ambassador of the Singapore International Foundation
Founder of Maya Dance Theatre
Kavitha Krishnan (Artistic Director)
Kavitha Krishnan, co-founder and artistic director of Maya Dance Theatre, champions social causes through innovative Asian dance-theatre. Recognized for her leadership, she drives inclusivity with the Diverse Abilities Dance Collective, empowering artists with disabilities. Her blend of Bharathanatyam and contemporary dance fosters healing and advocates for positive societal change.
Imran Manaff (Managing Director/ Creative Producer)
Imran Manaff, a respected arts professional, is a key collaborator with Maya Dance Theatre (MDT), known for his dedication to inclusive and socially impactful art. His work focuses on themes of diversity, inclusivity, and social change, championing the integration of diverse abilities in the performing arts.
Diverse Abilities Dance Collective (DADC)
Diverse Abilities Dance Collective (DADC), launched by Maya Dance Theatre (MDT) in 2018, is an innovative initiative that unites professional dancers and dancers with diverse abilities in a co-shared creative space. DADC’s mission is to promote inclusivity and accessibility in the arts, emphasizing collaboration where all dancers, regardless of ability, contribute equally. Through performances, DADC challenges societal perceptions of disability, highlighting the unique talents and resilience of its dancers. The collective’s work addresses themes of identity, community, and empowerment, inspiring audiences and fostering greater appreciation for diversity. DADC also engages in workshops and outreach to advocate for inclusivity in the performing arts.
Founding Members of DADC
Arassi Rajkumar
Arassi, a founding member of DADC, has performed widely with MDT and the Down Syndrome Association (DSA). She co-facilitates preschool dance classes, manages DADC’s costumes, and recently collaborated with Candoco Dance (UK) for March On: Every-Body Can Dance at The Esplanade. She’s also passionate about Speech and Drama.
Chen Wanyi
Wanyi, a founding DADC member since 2018, has performed in MDT’s Puffing Bodies and the Mental Wellness Circle Discussions. She works part-time as an assistant arts administrator at Apsara Asia and as a chambermaid at Rasa Sentosa Hotel. Wanyi also co-trains dancers in DADC’s Elevate programme and is passionate about fashion design.
Hee Yuan Sheng
Yuan Sheng, a founding DADC member, has performed at Shantajali Festival, National Gallery Singapore, and in DADC’s debut, Speaking With Hands. He dances with the Down Syndrome Association’s Fusion Dance team, participating in international events like the IASSIDD Congress, Bold Festival, and Saarang Festival, and is set for SIPA 2023 in Indonesia.
Jaspreet Kaur
Jaspreet, a founding member of DADC, is a self-advocate and experienced performer. She has danced in DADC’s first production, Speaking With Hands, and represented the group at international events like the Saarang Festival in India. Jaspreet also co-choreographed for SEEDS, co-hosted the SEEDS 2022: UNSEEN film premiere, and is currently involved in a 2-year theatre training mentorship with ArtDis. She is a recipient of the Promising Award from President Halimah Yacob.
June Lin
June Lin, a co-founding member of DADC, has been active in the collective’s performances since 2018. She has performed at notable events, including the Shantajali Festival, National Gallery Singapore, and President’s Charity Performance. Employed by Apsara Asia Pte Ltd, June also co-facilitates dance classes and has mentored other dancers. She is an avid bowler and represented Singapore in the Special Olympics in 2015, earning a silver medal.
Megan Tang
Megan, a founding DADC member and APSN Tanglin School student, is passionate about energetic music and trained in K-Pop, Bharatanatyam, and Bollywood. She has performed at Shantajali Festival, Very Special Arts’ My World, and SEEDS 2021 with Antonio Vargas. Megan also dances with the Down Syndrome Association’s Fusion Dance team, represents Singapore in DanceSport Special Olympics, and won the Goh Chok Tong Enable Awards (UBS Promise) 2020.
Weng Jiaying
Jiaying joined DADC in 2019 and is a co-trainer known for her leadership. She has performed duets choreographed by Hafeez Hassan and Adele Goh for SEEDS 2022 and 2023. A member of the Down Syndrome Association’s Fusion Dance Team, Jiaying has performed for President Halimah and received the Goh Chok Tong Enable Award (UBS Promise) 2020.
Associate Artist – Catherine Joan Devadason (Jo)
Jo Devadason, a self-taught poet with Down syndrome known as ‘Poetree,’ shares her personal struggles and feelings through her poetry. Featured in ‘I-Opener,’ her work invites children into her imaginative world. Passionate about books, imaginary play, and self-expression, Jo offers a unique perspective on life.
Note: Maya Dance Theatre and DADC will debut their new production, Wild Flowers, in November/December 2024 and will also participate in the upcoming Enabling Festival 2024.