A new generation of young cosmopolitan dancers and choreographers, with greater international exposure, are introducing different approaches to the philosophy, traditions and presentation of the traditional Malay dance. These efforts have sometimes been criticised by veteran dance practitioners. In modern day Singapore, how do we preserve the traditional in spaces that are essentially urban and ever changing? This talk will examine how Malay dance has thrived from a culture of consistent innovation to create virtuosic art dances that goes against the recent trends of preservation efforts of safeguarding cultural heritage.