Aleena Tan Makes History: Elected to the IDO Presidium

In a groundbreaking moment for Singapore and the international dance community, Aleena Tan has been elected to the Presidium of the International Dance Organization (IDO). This historic victory marks a significant milestone not only for Aleena but also for the global dance fraternity and IDO Asia.

Aleena Tan, a distinguished dancer and dance educator, has dedicated her life to the art of dance. Her tireless efforts, unwavering commitment, and exceptional talent have now been recognized internationally with her election to the IDO Presidium.

As a member of the IDO Presidium, Aleena Tan will have the opportunity to contribute to the development and promotion of dance worldwide. Aleena's vision for inclusivity and diversity in dance aligns perfectly with the IDO's core values.

The international dance community eagerly anticipates Aleena Tan's contributions to the IDO and the positive impact she will have on the global dance stage.

As a member of the IDO Presidium, Aleena Tan will have the opportunity to contribute to the development and promotion of dance worldwide. Aleena's vision for inclusivity and diversity in dance aligns perfectly with the IDO's core values.

The international dance community eagerly anticipates Aleena Tan's contributions to the IDO and the positive impact she will have on the global dance stage.

As Aleena Tan takes on this new role, the world of dance eagerly anticipates the remarkable developments and innovations that she will bring to the IDO.

We caught up with her to ask her some questions. Read the Interview

Congratulations, Aleena Tan, on this historic achievement! Could you tell us about your background in the dance world?

In 1967, I represented New Town Secondary School in a dance showcase called Island In The Sun at the First Singapore Youth Festival.

In 1969, I enrolled at Pohsan Dance Studio learning under Sunny Low, a well-known dancer and choreographer where I learnt the Cha Cha, Rock n Roll, Saturday Night Fever,

Funky Chicken and Chinese Dance. I started to perform on Stages And Television as the lead dancer under the Sunny Low Dance Team. Later I also started to learn Latin dances and took part in National and International competitions

In 1986 Sunny and I opened the Sunny Low Dance Studio where we trained students in both Latin and Ballroom dances for the annual Medal Examination with the National Association Of Teachers Of Dancing UK.

We became the Founders and Life Members of Singapore Ballroom Dance as Teachers Of Dancing from 1980 to 2023.

1992 we were honored with Life Memberships by the National Association of Teachers Of Dancing UK.

I represented Singapore as the delegate at the International Council Of Ballroom Dancing (1950) World Dance & DanceSport Council (1996) World Dance Council (2006).

IDO President Nils Carlson enrolled me as the contact person for Singapore in 2000.

In 2013 IDO President Michael Wendt visited me in Singapore and gave me the task of forming IDO Asia.

I brought the international IDO Family IDO Taiwan, IDO Indonesia, MIDO ( Malaysia) Phildance ( Philippines) IDO Japan, IDO India, IDO Sri Lanka, IDO New Zealand, and IDO China.

2017 was the year I was honored by the IDO Hall Of Fame, аnd now I have been elected Vice President at The Annual General Assembly held in Denmark.

As a new presidium member, what key initiatives or changes do you hope to bring to the international dance organization during your term?

I would like to connect IDO Asia & and Asia Pacific Regions to IDO Europe, IDO America and IDO Africa

As the chairperson for the Asia and Asia Pacific Conference, what strategies do you have in mind to promote cross-cultural exchange and collaboration among dancers and dance enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds?

I want to organize dance workshops by champions. Dancers are the best formula to attract dance Enthusiasts and promote cultural exchange.

International events, festivals, and competitions are a significant part of the dance community. How do you envision expanding and enhancing the organization's events?

This would be via teachers, coaches, competitors, organizers, music, and scrutineers who need to be recognised for their efforts. Identify the best teachers, coaches, competitors, organizers, music and scrutineers. Getting sponsors to contribute to these awards would also be a goal.

Lastly, what message would you like to convey to dancers and dance enthusiasts across the IDO?

Be Happy, Be Healthy, Keep Dancing!

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