Meet the People behind the Poise
At Poise & Pretz, our passionate instructors inspire young dancers to grow with confidence, creativity, and skill. Combining professional expertise with a nurturing approach, we create a positive environment where every dancer can thrive. More than teaching dance, we help build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of movement.
Gina Cai
Poise & Pretz Principal
Gina brings with her over two decades of experience in dance education, choreography, performance, and artistic development.
Besides teaching certifications across and not limited to classical ballet, contemporary and jazz, Gina also holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science Degree. She combines evidence-based understanding of human development with a passion for nurturing confident, expressive dancers. Her teaching philosophy extends beyond technical excellence, emphasising artistry, creativity, resilience, and personal growth.
Professionally trained in ballet, contemporary, lyrical, jazz, dance acrobatics, Pilates, and rhythmic gymnastics, Gina has coached students of all ages, from recreational dancers to competitive performers. Her students have achieved success at national and international competitions, recognised for both technical ability and artistic performance.
Gina founded PRETZ in 2017 to provide specialised dance training that develops strong technique while fostering individuality and confidence. As Principal of Poise & PRETZ, she is committed to creating an inspiring environment where every student is encouraged to grow with discipline, curiosity, and joy, becoming not only skilled dancers but well-rounded individuals
Ma Ni
Vaganova Ballet Principal
Born in Henan, China, Ma Ni began her Vaganova method training at the Liaoning School of Ballet china, affiliated to Liao Ning Ballet Company from 2003 to 2009, where she studied Classical Ballet, Character Dance, Modern dance and Chinese dance. Upon graduation, she entered Beijing Dance Academy for further studies.
In 2010, Ma Ni started her Diploma in Dance course at The Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and graduated in 2013. During this time, she participated in various competitions including CSTD in 2013 and emerged as the winner, as well as the Youth America Grand Prix ballet competition in Japan in 2012.
Her professional journey as a ballerina begun after graduation, when she joined Singapore Ballet in 2013. Where she performed in various roles in Romeo and Juliet (2020), Cygnets and Princesses in Swan Lake (2019), Don Quixote, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, to name a few. Ma Ni took her final bow in the brand new production of Cinderella 2023, to focus on her career as a ballet teacher.
Over the past years, students who have studied Classical Ballet competitively under Ms Ma’s tutorage have gone on to achieve good standing on both local and international stages. Her belief in enjoyment of the arts, while actively pursuing technical and artistic excellence continues to drive her passion forward.
Nichola
Contemporary & Acro Teacher
Nichola began her dance journey during her secondary school and junior college years, dedicating six years to training before pursuing dance professionally at LASALLE College of the Arts. There, she deepened her technical foundation in ballet, contemporary dance, and improvisation, while also collaborating with musicians and actors in both stage performances and dance films.
Having trained under a diverse range of local and international lecturers and choreographers, Nichola has developed a rich movement vocabulary and a thoughtful approach to choreography and teaching. Influenced by renowned artists such as Melissa Quek (Singapore), Simona Sieri (Italy), and Bill T. Jones (USA), she values the creative process and believes in celebrating the unique contributions that dancers bring to each work. Her teaching philosophy centres on artistry, exploration, and meaningful collaboration.
Nichola began her teaching career in gymnastics before expanding into dance education. She was later invited to teach ballet in China, where she planned and conducted classes, choreographed for performances and events, and contributed to studio administration and marketing initiatives.
Since returning to Singapore, Nichola has continued teaching across studios and schools, further enhancing her expertise through a range of professional dance certifications. In recent years, she has also choreographed lyrical and contemporary solos and duos for competitive dancers, with works presented at competitions such as Get The Beat and Evolution. Through her teaching and choreography, Nichola is committed to nurturing confident, expressive, and versatile young artists.
Sheryl
Lyrical & Jazz Teacher
Sheryl's dance journey began at the age of 13 with Odyssey Dance Theatre, where she was first introduced to contemporary dance. This early exposure ignited a passion for movement and performance, laying the foundation for her continued growth as a dancer, educator, and choreographer.
Over the years, Sheryl has performed in numerous productions and showcases both locally and internationally, gaining valuable experience across a wide range of performance platforms. Her dedication to the craft also led her into the competitive dance scene, where she participated in events such as Get The Beat, the Asian Arts Festival, the Hong Kong Challenge Cup, and the D-2 Chingay Dance Competition.
Beyond the stage,
Sheryl has cultivated a strong passion for teaching and mentorship. She has coached rhythmic gymnastics athletes, taught school dance CCAs, and conducted open dance classes for adults. Through her work with young dancers and athletes, she has successfully guided students to medal-winning achievements
Tricia Tan
RAD Ballet Teacher
Ms Tricia is a dedicated Royal Academy of Dance (RAD)-certified Ballet Teacher with over two decades of teaching experience. Passionate about ballet and working with children, she is committed to nurturing young dancers in both their technical development and personal growth. Throughout her career, she has successfully prepared numerous students for both RAD Graded and Vocational examinations, guiding them with expertise, care, and encouragement.
She believes that ballet is much more than mastering technique—it is a journey that builds confidence, discipline, resilience, and character. She strives to create a positive, supportive, and inspiring learning environment where every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential while developing a lifelong appreciation for the art of ballet.
One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching for Ms Tricia is witnessing her students grow throughout their dance journey. Watching them gain confidence, overcome challenges with resilience, and discover a genuine love for ballet brings her immense joy. She hopes to inspire every student not only to excel in dance but also to embrace the values that ballet instills, carrying these lessons with them both in the studio and throughout their lives.
