This year’s Got to Move (GTM) by the National Arts Council couldn’t be more apt.
With limited live events and group activities, the nationwide dance movement has become even more relevant as it celebrates the diversity of dance in Singapore.
Currently in its sixth edition from now till Mar, GTM 2021 is being presented digitally for the first time, with dance offerings for youths, families with young children and everyone regardless of age.
Members of the public can look forward to joining a series of interactive digital dance programmes and learn more about communicating perspectives through movement while getting to know some of Singapore’s prolific and upcoming dancers.
First, check out five original digital works which push the creative boundaries of the dance community as well as foster dialogue and appreciation for the practice.
Digital dance programmes from local arts groups utilise multiple online formats, ranging from augmented reality (AR) applications and filters, to an interactive dance film.
Credit: Yeo Zhi Yi
XITY Augmented Reality Application by Raw Moves allows participants to experience dance through an AR application and discover the city-living environment through an audio geometry experience.
ScRach MarcS’ Lens Lens Revolution invites audiences to experience the integration of traditional fusion movement and music elements into modern street styles through a series of three Instagram AR filters where participants get to exchange dance moves, enhanced with special animation graphics.
Credit: National Arts Council
TRDOco, a contemporary dance company, uses technology to amplify its message in To Or Not. Participants follow the lives of two teenagers in this interactive dance concept video where it tackles the social issue of mental health and social support. It invites audiences to inhabit the persona of a character and toggle between multiple scenarios to make their own decision on how the story should unfold.
Credit: The Kueh Tutus
Just in time for the school holidays are two family-friendly programmes—the Kueh Tutus’ Plotterpus Adventure Tours lets parent-child pairs interact digitally with imaginary baby Plotterpi through a series of choreographed movements.
Credit: The Arts Fission Company
Families seeking adventure in the comfort of their homes can assume the role of a wild beast avatar through two Instagram AR filters by The Arts Fission Company, and enter the fantasy realm of The Ballroom of Magnificent Beasts.
Get to know Singapore dancers
Uncover the stories of 100 local dance talents, from prolific veterans to emerging artists and newcomers across different dance genres.
Go to GTM’s social media pages and learn how they got into the practice and what keeps them going. Among them, discover how Bharatanatyam dancer Malini Bhaskar fell in love with dance by watching her grandmother and dance veteran, Santha Bhaskar, at rehearsals; and how contemporary and street dancer, Hwa Wei-An, hopes to find his unique voice by combining various styles learnt over the years.
Veterans such as Frontier Danceland’s Artistic Director and Cultural Medallion recipient Ms Low Mei Yoke, fresh faces like contemporary dancer Adelene Stanley, and street-latin dancer Brenda Liew are also featured.
Championing inclusivity through dance
This series of Dance x Social videos showcase the ways in which dance groups are engaging with the underserved communities.
Credit: National Arts Council
Hear about how local dance company Flamenco Sin Fronteras has been working with the seniors at Social Health Growth, and witness how independent artist Wong Wai Yee and Diverse Abilities Dance Collective have been impacting the lives of special needs children through dance.
All Got to Move 2021 programmes are free although some require registration. Visit GTM’s Facebook and Instagram pages for more information.
