SINGAPORE: The Chingay Parade 2009 will be held on January
30 and 31, and organisers say they have a grand opening in
store.
Based on the theme of Wonderland and with a total of 13 floats with
3,800 performers, the parade promises a colourful show.
It will be the first time that the public can join in Asia's
grandest street and floats parade.
They can be part of the parade by signing up for a workshop to
design their own wearable art and learn simple rhythmic
movement.
The wearable art public contingent for Chingay welcomes people of
all ages, regardless of citizenship. The winning entry will even
get an award.
Part of the opening number is by the Tong Liang Fire Dragon troupe
from China. Its bare-bodied dancers will perform under balls of
flames.
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) will also be making its
parade debut with an automated 8-metre high Dragon Float.
Senior Associate Provost of NTU, Professor Er Meng Hwa, said: "We
have actually programmed the dragon to do the head movements - up
and down and sideways as well. And this will be blended in with 120
dancers from our Cultural Activities Club to complete the story on
this contemporary Chinese dance."
- CNA/yt