We are saddened to announce that our co-founder, Mr Vernon Martinus, has passed away at the age of 90 in the UK, where he resided.

With a shared passion for classical ballet and a common goal of introducing dance to a larger community in Singapore, Mr Vernon Martinus established Singapore Ballet Academy in 1958 with co-founders, Mrs Frances Martinus and Ms Goh Soo Nee, through a merger of the Frances School of Dancing and the Malaya School of Ballet.

Mr Martinus, his wife Mrs Frances Martinus, and Ms Goh Soo Nee, were trailblazing pioneers who elevated the local dance scene in the 1950s to 1960s. Other than offering ballet and dance training, they frequently staged performances locally and regionally so that aspiring dancers may have the opportunity to perform in dance productions while the local community had the chance to witness live performances.

Besides being a talented dancer and choreographer, Mr Martinus was actively involved in the local media and broadcasting. With the local Department of Broadcasting and Rediffusion, he produced and co-produced several TV shows that involved music and dance, featuring singers, dancers, and musicians of the 1960s.

We send our deepest condolences to his family, Mr Martinus will be greatly missed by all of us at the academy. 

Mr Martinus’s funeral service will be held at St Richard’s Chapel, Surrey & Sussex Crematorium on Friday, 23rd September 2022 at 12pm.

To view the online tribute, please visit vernonmartinus.muchloved.com