Record 15 nations taking part in Chingay
Dancers showcasing their costumes for the coming Chingay parade. Photo: Ernest Chua
SINGAPORE — Performing troupes from a record 15 countries — including Rwanda for the first time — will participate in this year’s Chingay parade with specially choreographed items to celebrate Singapore’s 50th birthday, said lead organiser People’s Association (PA) yesterday.
The contingent of 1,100 international participants is also double that of last year, when six nations took part in the parade.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, PA chief executive director Ang Hak Seng said: “A birthday without celebrating with our friends will not be complete. Viewers will also see how our international friends take great pains to specially choreograph their performance in terms of ... dance steps and even floats for Singapore’s 50th birthday.”
Rwanda’s maiden Chingay participation comprises three performances — two dances that warriors of ancient times perform to celebrate victory and wealth, as well as a drum performance that dates back 300 years. Such performances portray the country’s rich and diverse cultures that span ages, said the PA.
Audiences can also look forward to a Thai performance featuring 100 members from different regions of the country, who will perform celebratory dances that originate from various parts of the nation.
Other notable shows include Kalinka — the grand winner of the Russian and International Choreographic Festival by choreographers Poliakova Natalia and Volkova Viktoria.
Poised to be the biggest and grandest edition in Chingay’s 42-year history, this year’s main parade will be held on Feb 27 and Feb 28 at the F1 Pit Building. The parade will be telecast twice on Channel NewsAsia to 26 different countries.
Viewers can also watch the parade live at www.chingay.org.sg.
MATTHIAS TAY
