Department: Academy – Bharatanatyam

Position Overview

The Senior Bharatanatyam Tutor & Creative Director is responsible for leading the artistic and academic development of SIFAS' senior Bharatanatyam programme. Beyond teaching, this role focuses on nurturing advanced students into confident performers, future teachers, and professional production dancers who represent SIFAS both locally and internationally.

The successful candidate will provide creative vision, mentor senior students and alumni, develop original productions, and elevate the artistic standards and reputation of SIFAS.

Key Responsibilities

1. Teaching & Academic Excellence

• Deliver high-quality training in technique, theory, abhinaya, choreography, nattuvangam, and performance skills.
• Prepare students for SIFAS examinations, arangetrams, diploma recitals, and professional performances.
• Monitor students' progress through regular assessments and provide constructive feedback.
• Maintain excellent classroom discipline and uphold SIFAS teaching standards.

2. Creative Direction & Choreography

• Lead the artistic direction of major SIFAS Bharatanatyam productions.
• Choreograph original repertoire for annual productions, festivals, showcases and cultural events.
• Develop innovative works while preserving the integrity and traditions of Bharatanatyam.
• Curate thematic productions suitable for diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with musicians, lighting designers, costume designers and production teams.

3. Senior Student & Alumni Development

• Create structured pathways for senior students to transition into performance careers.
• Mentor graduating students and alumni to become:Production dancersAssistant choreographersFuture tutorsArtistic ambassadors of SIFAS
• Establish a SIFAS Bharatanatyam Production Ensemble comprising senior students and alumni.
• Conduct intensive rehearsals, workshops and performance training sessions.
• Build a sustainable pipeline of professional performers representing SIFAS.

4. Performance & Production Management

• Plan annual performance calendars for senior students.
• Prepare dancers for local and international festivals, competitions and collaborations.
• Ensure high standards of stage discipline, professionalism and artistic presentation.
• Oversee rehearsal schedules and production timelines.

5. Curriculum Development

• Review and enhance senior-level curriculum.
• Introduce performance-based learning opportunities.
• Develop advanced choreography modules and repertoire.
• Contribute to long-term academic planning for Bharatanatyam programmes.

6. Mentorship & Faculty Leadership

• Mentor junior Bharatanatyam tutors and assistant teachers.
• Conduct internal training sessions and teaching observations.
• Encourage continuous professional development within the department.
• Promote collaboration across dance, music and theatre departments.

7. Community & Outreach

• Represent SIFAS at performances, outreach programmes and community engagements.
• Build collaborations with schools, arts organisations and cultural institutions.
• Support student recruitment through workshops, open houses and demonstrations.
• Promote SIFAS' artistic vision through public performances and educational initiatives.

8. Administration

• Submit lesson plans, attendance and assessment reports on time.
• Assist in examination planning and evaluations.
• Participate in departmental meetings and strategic planning sessions.
• Ensure compliance with organisational policies and safeguarding standards.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Bharatanatyam or equivalent professional qualification.
• Minimum 10 years of professional teaching experience.
• Proven experience choreographing large-scale dance productions.
• Strong understanding of Bharatanatyam pedagogy and performance traditions.
• Experience preparing students for examinations and arangetrams.
• Excellent communication, leadership and mentoring skills.
• Ability to inspire and develop young artists.

Preferred Experience

• International performance experience.
• Experience directing dance productions.
• Knowledge of Carnatic music and nattuvangam.
• Experience mentoring professional dancers or dance companies.
• Strong network within the performing arts industry.

Key Competencies

• Artistic Leadership
• Creative Vision
• Choreography
• Performance Direction
• Student Development
• Team Leadership
• Mentorship
• Curriculum Planning
• Event & Production Management
• Communication & Collaboration

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• High student progression and examination success rates.
• Increased retention of senior students and alumni.
• Establishment and growth of the SIFAS Bharatanatyam Production Ensemble.
• Creation of original productions annually.
• Increased participation in national and international performances.
• Successful mentorship of future tutors and choreographers.
• Positive student and parent feedback.
• Contribution to SIFAS' artistic reputation and community engagement.

Vision for the Role

This position is envisioned as more than a teaching role—it is a strategic artistic leadership position that will shape the future of Bharatanatyam at SIFAS. The Senior Bharatanatyam Tutor & Creative Director will build a vibrant ecosystem where students continue their artistic journey beyond examinations, evolving into accomplished performers, choreographers, educators and cultural ambassadors.

By cultivating a strong alumni production company, the role will strengthen SIFAS' artistic identity, create meaningful performance opportunities, and position the academy as a leading centre for Bharatanatyam excellence in Singapore and beyond.