I came back to Singapore after having passed the Bronze dances in the US. I was amazed to find that I was pretty much the "highest level dancer" here, and one of the handful at all interested in dance at that time.
Through the years, I have struggled to continue dancing, and to build up interest. In the meantime, I have learned some of the reasons why it has been so hard...
Top 8 reasons why ice dance in Singapore has not taken off
#8. Cannot find a partner - though this is also prevalent in any other country I have been to, it is worse in countries where skating is starting up.
#7. Even if a partnership is formed, it is impossible to find a common time to train, since Singapore kids have an inane amount of school commitments!
#6. Culture - ice dance is modelled after Western dances, and may not appeal the locals, or the locals do not feel up to it.
#5. Compulsory dances don't fit in the rinks here - the compulsory dances were created for a full-size rink. Until we have a full-size rink here, it is going to be really tough to do them.
#4. How to train? Most skaters are able to practise only during public sessions. Unless you are really really lucky, you will have to avoid someone or stop after 2 steps. Impossible to complete any part of any dance.
#3. Ice dance lacks the immediate "wow" factor that jumps and spins provide.
#2. What for? - AHA! Only a handful of local skaters have figured out the addiction of ice dance!
#1. Ice dance is simply too damned difficult! - The next realisation for those who have figured out the addiction of ice dance!