FOUNDER

Global Cultural Ambassador

Dr Danny Tan, an esteemed Singapore Cultural Ambassador, has spent three decades positioning Singapore on the global stage, building alliances with renowned international organisations and artists. His extensive achievements in artistic direction, consultancy, dance-making, performance and production have garnered praise from local and international media, embassies, corporations, government entities and foreign dignitaries. Known as “Singapore’s Cultural Celebrity”, Dr Danny has been awarded prestigious fellowships, such as the ‘K Fellowship’ from South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in 2017, and a three-year fellowship with the Singapore National Arts Council (NAC) and International Society for Performing Arts (New York) from 2016-2018. His works have reached audiences across 100 cities in 50 countries.

Artistic Excellence and Contributions

An award-winning artist with accolades in choreography, production and staging, Dr Danny received the Singapore Young Artist Award from the NAC in 2004. As the Founding Artistic Director of Odyssey Dance Theatre (ODT), established in 1999, he has produced over 150 original works and organised 40 editions of festivals spanning 12 unique festival brands. His creative initiatives have inspired audiences globally and locally, engaging sectors across arts, education, social causes and corporate communities. In recognition of his continuous contributions to the arts,  Dr Danny has received nine accolades at the Patron of the Arts Award annually since 2016, he is a three-time recipient for the Distinguished Patron of the Arts awards. 

Educational Impact

Since 1994, Dr Danny has held multiple educational roles as a curriculum advisor, trainer, mentor and researcher, positively impacting creative arts education from youth to adult learning. His programmes have reached over 150 local and international schools, institutions and universities, covering areas from creative arts to entrepreneurship. An accomplished author and speaker, Dr Danny has published over 30 books documenting his artistic journey and solidifying his authentic voice in the arts. He earned his Doctorate in Creative Industries from Queensland University of Technology (Australia) in 2010.

Leadership at Odyssey Dance Theatre Ltd (ODT Ltd)

As CEO of ODT Ltd, Dr Danny has transformed the organisation from a dance company to one of Singapore’s leading arts and cultural institutions, recognised for its comprehensive portfolio and strategic services across six divisions. His foresight has uniquely positioned ODT Ltd within the non-profit sector, reaching diverse audiences and beneficiaries for the greater good. Under his leadership, ODT Ltd was awarded the Charity Transparency Award in 2023 and Charity Transparency Dedication Award in 2024 by the Singapore Charity Council, acknowledging the organisation’s dedication to governance and transparency.

Community Engagement and Wellness Initiatives

A dedicated community leader, Dr Danny was recognised with the Fellow of Social Leadership Singapore (2012) and Ace Capstone Leadership (2016) awards by the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre and the National Council of Social Service.  As a Wellness Consultant skilled in various therapies such as Yoga, Reiki Energy, Sound and Vibration, Movement, Fitness and Sports Massage, Dr Danny combines his expertise to offer mindfulness and health support to various charities. His community commitment extends to over 60 Social Service agencies, establishing initiatives like the Summer DanceFit Festival and HEART Series, which have positively impacted numerous lives.

(Updated as of 14 November 2024)