Initiating with Hybrid Moves, which featured six of the CFA dance groups, the festival proceeded with the celebration of the 15^th anniversary of The Dance Ensemble with "The Next Wave 2007" and culminated with Boi G Sakti's and Gerard Mosterd's new masterpiece, JAMUAN Bisu ...PARAdis_e...?.

        The most prominent of all would have to be "The Next Wave", an annual concert by The Dance Ensemble, a prolific group that has grown in sheer strength to become a recognizable dance company in recent years.

        They showcased an eclectic repertoire in their anniversary concert, "The Next Wave - Fifteen: Vicissitude" on the 21^st and 22^nd of September, focusing on the concept of hybridity with a dominant feature of Asian fusion works. With their technical expertise, this concert was undoubtedly a delightful treat for every dance afficiando.

        Playing an instrumental role for the festival each year is Zaini Mohd Tahir, the founder and resident choreographer of The Dance Ensemble.

        Only started dancing at the age of 19, Zaini discovered his love for dance during formal dance lessons of ballet and jazz whilst at the SAF Music and Drama Company, when he was serving his National Service.

        Ever since then, he has been heavily involved in the  local dance scene and has created numerous high profile dance items for a variety of events, spanning from the National Day Parades to music videos and musicals.

        Drawing inspiration from the dancers, music and experiences, he conjures up moving pieces that stirs one's soul. His choreography is often fluid and intense, leaving one spellbound at the end of it.

        Being actively involved in helping to develop the younger dancers, he feels that their strengths lie in their drive, energy and optimism. Contrary to popular belief, young dancers are not idealistic and flighty. Instead, the dancers in the company are focused and committed to developing themselves and the company.

        Throughout the 15 years that he has been in The Dance Ensemble, he has seen the discovery of numerous new talents and helped younger choreographers come into their own as they moved out of the shadows of older choreographers to develop their own style.

        Zaini however, feels that despite the dance scene being more vibrant now than it was fifteen years ago, it still lacks diversity and ‘original voices'.

        On the flip side, he feels that being a melting pot and global city, Singapore will always provide inspiration to her dancers and there will be new ideas and voices to be found should we look hard enough.