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Singapore set to catch dance fever in October

SINGAPORE — Come October, do not be surprised if the entire country seems to have caught the dance fever, with everyone busting their best moves for nearly two and a half weeks — it’s all part of the National Arts Council’s (NAC) latest initiative called Got To Move.

A mass dance flash mob at the Central Business District heralds the National Arts Council's new nationwide dance initiative Got To Move. Photo: NAC.

A mass dance flash mob at the Central Business District heralds the National Arts Council's new nationwide dance initiative Got To Move. Photo: NAC.

SINGAPORE — Come October, do not be surprised if the entire country seems to have caught the dance fever, with everyone busting their best moves for nearly two and a half weeks — it’s all part of the National Arts Council’s (NAC) latest initiative called Got To Move.

The inaugural edition of the council’s new dance movement will run from Oct 8 to 24 — which coincidentally partially overlaps with The Esplanade’s annual da:ns festival — and comprises events ranging from classes and shows to showcases and talks held in various venues nationwide. Open to the general public, it will encompass all kinds of genres — from cultural and street dance to contemporary and ballet to niche ones such as belly dancing and pole dancing — and involve both amateur and professional groups.

The decision to kickstart Got To Move was due to a rising interest in the performing art form here, with an increase in ticketed attendance and sales for dance performances, and the growth in the number of dance groups and societies between 2009 and 2013.

“Dance is one of the most accessible art forms. As kids, before picking up a paintbrush or even singing a tune, we all remember jiggling to music. Anyone can move — you could even call it primeval,” said NAC chief executive Kathy Lai. “With Got To Move, we’re excited to have a platform where professionals, hobbyists and even people who have hardly any past dance experience can come together and groove.”

The initiative is divided into two segments: The Got To Move ISLANDWIDE segment will feature programmes presented by members of Singapore’s dance community for the general public. These will range from classes and workshops for wellness to seminars for dance professionals and community activities. An open call was held earlier this year, with 41 groups, schools, interest groups and practitioners receiving grants to develop their respective programmes. Participants range from contemporary groups such as RAW Moves, Arts Fission and Re:Dance Theatre to community associations such as the Tampines Arts Troupe to social groups such as Country Line Dance Association and Wings To Wings Dance Development Centre.

For instance, the last will be doing an autism movement therapy workshop for children with special needs. “We felt that these children would benefit both mentally and physically from this session. We also wanted an activity where parents could learn how to relate to their child’s condition through bonding with their child,” said the centre’s managing director Gracia Chua.

Got To Move will culminate in the one-day event called Got To Move NOW on Oct 24, which will be held at The Promontory @ Marina Bay. Activities include specially curated performances by amateur and professional groups such as Singapore Dance Theatre, THE Dance Company and Bhaskar’s Arts Academy. There will also be a fashion show inspired by dance, courtesy of online fashion portal styleXstyle and a mass dance event by O School — with the cast of Ah Boys To Men joining in the fun. Mayo Martin

For more information, visit its Facebook page or follow its Instagram account (@GotToMoveSG).

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