Tanglin Arts Studio

Tanglin Arts Studio opened in 2007, founded by former Atlanta Ballet prima ballerina Kathleen Quinn. Since 2011, owner and director Katja Paus—who transitioned from parent to leader—has guided the studio into a thriving international community inside the prestigious Hollandse Club in central Singapore. The studio draws local Singaporean and expatriate families, and is the only dance studio in Singapore that operates on the Northern Hemisphere academic calendar, making it a natural fit for global families.

The studio teaches through three structured programs. The Early Years program uses the "Leap 'N Learn" curriculum, combining ballet-based training with creative movement and pretend play to foster creativity and a positive, inclusive approach. The Junior & Senior program offers tailored education for students seeking deeper training, with ATOD (Australian Teachers of Dancing) and Acrobatic Arts syllabus options, plus multiple performances per year. The Open Recreational classes are designed for new students or those exploring different styles without pressure.

Classes span classical ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical contemporary, acrobatics, and musical theatre—which combines jazz, tap, contemporary and modern dance with singing and acting training. The focus extends beyond technique to develop creativity, artistry, and life skills such as discipline, self-esteem and body awareness. All classes welcome students from complete beginners to experienced dancers across many age groups and nationalities.

The studio's teaching team includes Katja Paus (director), Rebecca Shanhun (artistic director, trained in classical ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary and acrobatics), Liza Makarevich (teacher, trained artist who began dancing at age 8), and Abbie May Willox (teacher). The studio holds an annual end-of-year show each December where students perform what they have learned. Parents can take advantage of the Hollandse Club location: the restaurant and bar is open to members and non-members, and children can use the playground free of charge while siblings attend dance lessons.

The studio has achieved a 4.8 Google rating across 77 reviews. Parents consistently highlight the welcoming atmosphere, quality teaching, sense of community across age groups, and visible confidence-building in their children. The studio explicitly welcomes students aged 18 months to 18 years and serves both complete beginners and more experienced performers in a supportive, respectful environment.

You'll attend a trial class designed to help you get to know the teachers, studios and other students in a welcoming environment. Comfortable clothing that's easy to move in is all you need—no special dancewear required for a first visit.

The team includes director Katja Paus (who built the studio community from parent to owner), artistic director Rebecca Shanhun (trained in classical ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary and acrobatics), teacher Liza Makarevich (trained artist who began dancing at age 8), and teacher Abbie May Willox. Staff are certified and drawn from many nationalities.

Complete beginners are explicitly welcome; the Open Recreational classes are designed for new students or those exploring different styles with no pressure.