Honouring Heritage, Empowering Growth: Kavanagh Dance’s Job Redesign Journey with KLC Reimagineers

On 26 August 2025, at the Employers Reboot Series co-hosted by SNEF and Workforce Singapore (WSG), Kavanagh Dance Managing Director and Principal Ms Gloria Soh shared how partnering with KLC Reimagineers — the consultancy arm of KLC International Institute (KLCII) — helped her team transform roles and strengthen people development through the PSG–Job Redesign (PSG-JR) Grant.

The seminar, themed “Redesigning Work, Redefining Productivity,” explored how Job Redesign helps businesses strengthen both productivity and people practices — especially for SMEs looking to scale smarter and sustain growth.

Kavanagh Dance’s story offered a heartfelt example of how small businesses can embrace change while staying true to their mission — a reflection of what Job Redesign is really about.

From Heritage to Heart

Founded in 1972 by Mrs Ruby Kavanagh, Kavanagh Dance has been shaping generations of dancers in Singapore for over 50 years. Guided by the belief that “every child’s inner dancer is waiting to be discovered,” the studio combines strong technique with a deeply human touch—nurturing in students confidence, creativity and lifelong joy in dance.

Now led by third-generation steward Gloria Soh, the studio continues this legacy with a progressive and inclusive philosophy. From toddlers taking their first steps to adults rediscovering their rhythm, Kavanagh Dance welcomes learners of all ages and abilities—empowering them to grow through movement, expression and community.

“We are a people business,” Gloria shared. “Job Redesign resonated deeply with me because it’s about investing in our people—honouring our heritage while reaching new generations.”

Empowering People Through Job Redesign with KLC Reimagineers

With guidance from KLCII Reimagineers, the team applied a structured four-step methodology for Job Redesign:

1. Sense-making – understanding where the organisation stood and its goals
2. Task analysis – mapping actual workflows and skills
3. Reimagine & redesign – shaping clearer, more meaningful roles
4. Prototyping – piloting redesigned roles and approaches to put new ideas into practice, ensuring real acquisition of necessary skills for the staff in the redesigned job role, resulting in sustained transformation post-completion of the JR consultancy project.

A standout success was the redesign of instructor Vanessa’s role. Already a dedicated dance educator, she was upskilled into a dual-track position—continuing to teach while leading structured marketing initiatives.

Through the PSG–JR support and KLCII’s coaching, she learned to plan more strategically, communicate effectively and engage parents in new and meaningful ways.

These changes gave Kavanagh Dance greater clarity and rhythm — strengthening team confidence while reflecting KD’s spirit of Empowerment, Encouragement, Expression and Enjoyment.

Tangible Outcomes for Sustainable Growth

The transformation created real business impact:

• Consistent branding and clearer communication
• Streamlined workflows with defined SOPs
• Stronger awareness and engagement among families
• A confident team ready to mentor new instructors

“It’s not just about changing roles, but about reimagining possibilities,” Gloria reflected. “This process helped us grow sustainably, strengthen our brand, and invest in our people.”

Partnering KLCII Reimagineers: Building Sustainable Growth

At KLCII Reimagineers, we are honoured to journey alongside Kavanagh Dance in redefining how tradition and innovation can move together. Their business transformation story demonstrates how Job Redesign consultancy can help Singapore SMEs strengthen both performance and purpose—creating workplaces where people feel empowered, included and inspired to thrive.

Learn More

Ready to explore how Job Redesign can transform your organisation?
👉 Visit reimagineers.sg — your trusted PSG–Job Redesign consultancy in Singapore, helping SMEs reimagine work and grow sustainably.