The DanceSport Academy (tda)

The DanceSport Academy (tda) was founded in 2006 by National Dancesport Champions Melvin and Sharon, with the studio opening in 2009. Located at 545 Orchard Road, #10-11 Far East Shopping Centre, it has trained dancers in Latin and Standard Ballroom styles for over 20 years and holds a 4.9-star Google rating from 88 reviews.

The studio runs structured programmes for young children, youths, adults, and active agers—from first-time beginner classes to competitive training and private coaching. Beginners can start with Adult Beginner Latin & Ballroom and DanceSport for Fun group classes. Those progressing further can access technique lessons in Cha Cha, Samba, Paso Doble, Rumba, and Jive, as well as Open Routine classes for dancers with a background seeking competitive variations and choreography.

Tda's instructor team includes founders Melvin (Singapore's 13-time National and Asian DanceSport Champion, trained in Hip Hop and Jazz) and Sharon (Ngee Ann Polytechnic Coach of the Year 2016, known for building strong technical foundations). Other instructors include Hristina from Bulgaria, a top finalist in the 2009 European Professional South-American Showdance and competitor at Blackpool Dance Festival and World Latin Championships; Connie, who represented Singapore at the 2005 Asian Indoor Games and SEA Games; Fion, with 10 years' experience and a certified Zumba instructor; Elisabeth, with 9 years at tda and experience at the Esplanade; and Gwen, certified through ISTD Latin Examinations and Medal Tests. The team also includes Ixora, who won Rising Star Champions in the 4th Singapore DanceSport Organisation Championships; Clarabelle; Darren, trained since 2005 and multi-championship winner; Archana, twice Best Choreographer winner; Chang Long, fluent in English and Mandarin; and Lindsey.

Beyond regular classes, tda offers private coaching with team instructors (45 min, $110), senior resident instructors ($140), and principal instructors ($140). Social nights ($12), practice nights ($15), and shared private practice space ($15/hr) are available. The studio rents the whole space for $180/hour. Weddings and first dance programmes are offered. Technique classes run at $35 each, with pricing plans like Technique Friday ($66.50 for 2 classes) and Technique Weekly ($126 for 4 classes).

Tda partners with organisations including the Esplanade, the National Arts Council, and Sport Singapore. School programmes include the Sports Education Programme (SEP) with DanceSport for Fun and the Arts Education Programme (NAC-AEP), which provides assembly showcases, workshops, and structured ballroom courses with subsidies up to 70% for special education schools. The studio also runs dance camps and adjudicates competitions. Active hours are 10am to 11pm daily, excluding public holidays.

A welcoming environment where you can try group or private lessons with dedicated instructors. Trial lessons are available. The studio is open 10am to 11pm daily and operates drop-in classes across a range of styles and levels, so you can start whenever suits you.

The studio is led by founders Melvin and Sharon, both National Dancesport Champions. The team includes Hristina (Bulgaria, European Professional South-American Showdance finalist), Connie (2005 Asian Indoor Games and SEA Games representative), Fion (certified Zumba instructor, 10 years' experience), Elisabeth (9 years at tda, Esplanade performer), Gwen (ISTD Latin certified), Ixora (Rising Star Champions winner), Clarabelle, Darren (multi-championship winner), Archana (twice Best Choreographer), Chang Long (fluent in English and Mandarin), and Lindsey.

Yes—the studio offers dedicated Adult Beginner Latin & Ballroom classes and DanceSport for Fun group classes designed for newcomers.