Chingay 2020 Introduces Unique Performances

The innovative hydraulic Dragon Dance performance by the Dragon - Lion Fantasy contingent. Though it is traditional, this is the first time ever, the dance has been performed on a hydraulic system. (PHOTO BY: EFFIE TAN ZHINING)

In conjunction with Chinese New Year, Chingay was held on Jan 31, 2020 to Feb 1, 2020 with vibrant performances and modernised floats portraying diversity in Singapore.

This year, we celebrate the People’s Association (PA) 60th-anniversary bringing people together. The theme for this year’s Chingay event, ‘Colours in Harmony’ pulls people from various communities in Singapore closer than ever despite the barriers of a multicultural society.

Chingay has always been known for its diversity in their parade, with performances that highlight important aspects of the four ethnicities. Even so, they have never actually included a segment where all the four groups perform together as one, not until now.

The segment ‘Harmony in Motion’, is a fusion item that includes performers from the four racial groups in Singapore, performing together in synergy.

Sasikumar Sangamitthirai,13, from the Indian Contingent said, “It is always fun with other people and getting to know other cultures”, and further mentions her delight participating in this year’s Chingay.

Chingay has always been recognized as a traditional festival but as time goes by, they’ve modernised, using technology such as drones and hoverboards. An example of such is the customary dragon dance.

All powered by hydraulics, the platform supports 10 skillful people as it rotates and tilts, just like a seesaw. The dragon soars into the air as performers stand 3.5 meters off the ground, giving the audiences a show that will not be forgotten.

However, what really surprised many was the appearance of the male pole-dancing troupe. Few would have expected a sport like pole-dancing to emerge as a display in a conventional parade, that is usually seen as a raunchy act.

Nevertheless, organisers were excited to be able to incorporate something unique despite the stigma centering around it. The addition of pole-dancing in Chingay shows how far Singapore has come from an old-fashioned society to a place of inclusivity.

The leader of the male pole-dancing troupe, Louis Sue said: “Hopefully, our act helped people understand that there is more to everyone's passion than meets the eye. And hopefully, it will help them open their mind to this, rather than scrutinizing someone else's culture.”

This year’s Chingay gives everyone an opportunity to fully express their talents and passions through their work. With the pleasant surprise that came from all these performances, Singaporeans can be sure to hope for a delightful experience at Chingay 2020.