Another year of Chingay meant another set of hurdles for the performers. But instead of backing down, they overcame these challenges and created an even stronger bond with one another. Giving us another spectacular performance once again this year.

 

During the rehearsal, the three generation women were brought together as one family. Despite the numerous obstacles they had to conquer, never once did these obstacles stop their determination in order to give us a successful Chingay.

 

Their determination and the beauty of their bond after overcoming these obstacles is one of the reasons why Chingay was able to be so outstanding this year, just like the other years. Every year, each group of performers would involve people from various ages. However, the age gap, communication barrier and weather did not stop them from working together.

 

It was the first time for Madam Imilda Keun, 44, from the Xin Jia Po Pai segment to perform in Chingay. The communication barrier was not something that would get her stumbling and this is how she overcame it: “We tried to communicate, first we speak English then we speak childish then we speak senior citizen.”

 

Her obstacles did not stop here as she had to conquer the age gap as well. Having determination allowed her to conquer her difficulties: “Regardless of the age, when we train together we can do a lot of things together. Some of us have not danced in public for a very long time, but after a few practices we came together, synchronized and it looks very nice.”

 

The journey for the performers was splendid, their outcome, beautiful while their experience was meaningful.

 

Also a first-time performer in Chingay, Thasha Monique Dharmendra, 17, who was also from the Xin Jia Po Pai segment said that: “I learnt a lot of teamwork, and the importance of helping other people as well. Because during this event, the older people taught us what to do and took care of us.”

 

With a total of 25 contingents in the Travelling Dance Group, they aim to present their mission and cause, that will contribute to Singapore as a strong and better nation. The whole contingent performed to Singapore music also known as Xinyao with part of the song in English.

 

To reach this aim, the performers practiced earnestly but what they earned were not just elegant dance moves but also an experience that they will never forget.

 

With three years as experience, Madam Periasamy Savithri, 70, from the Xin Jia Po Pai segment as well, mentioned about how it has been a wonderful event for her: “Just sharing the happy moments together, just being together and being one. We don’t think of religion, race and all. We are all one Singaporean.”

 

Chingay would always have rough waves, and the journey won’t always be smooth sailing for the performers but it only creates a stronger bond for them after sailing these rough waves!

 

After all, if it’s easy, it’s not worth it.

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By Nadiah Ang and Micha Dasig