Goh Soo Khim

Who is Goh Soo Khim?

Goh Soo Khim is a Singaporean ballerina and a highly respected doyen in Singapore’s dance scene. She is also the co-founder / Artistic Director of Singapore Dance Theatre, as well as being the elder sister of late ballet maestro Goh Choo San. She is also credited for the development of ballet in Singapore, and for nurturing many successful dancers under her tutelage, to become successful dancers, soloists and even choreographers over the years.

Goh is born into a family of well-known dancers and teachers, and received her early training at the Singapore Ballet Academy under the Academy’s her elder sister Goh Soo Nee, and the other founding directors, Frances Poh and Vernon Martinus. In 1964 Goh furthered her professional training in Australia, as the first Asian to be admitted into the all-white Australian Ballet School. Returning to Singapore upon her graduation from Australian Ballet School, Goh joined her sister as a principal trainer at the Ballet Academy. She was also a Principal dancer of the Academy, and performed many solo performances. In 1971, Goh assumed the responsibilities of Director and Principal of the Academy. In 1977, Goh represented Singapore in the 2nd ASEAN Radio and Television Cultural Exchange Programme, and in 1978 choreographed the performance Temple Tone Poem. It was her maiden choreography, and in 1980 choreographed again in the Goodbye Again. Her specially commissioned works, Dilemma and Five Emotions, were premiered at the 1982 Singapore Arts Festival.