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SINGAPORE: A dance company withdrew from Chingay 2021, following online criticism of its dancers who were scheduled to participate in the parade.
The People’s Association (PA) said on Monday (December 28) in a joint statement with Dance Spectrum International (DSI) and the Singapore Wushu Dragon & Lion Dance Federation (SWDLDF) that the segment was dropped “in consideration of the young dancers affected. for cyberbullying. “.
According to 8world News, Chingay 2021 would feature 100 lions in a four-minute lion dance show, with five lions manned by DSI dancers.
The 10 dancers were supposed to tap dance in tutus while dressing in lion dance costumes, while the rest of the performers wore traditional costumes.
However, an online post shared by DSI with the dancers, ages 14-30, drew criticism online and the three groups met separately during the week to “find ways to resolve the matter.”
“The three parties also agreed that while we welcome different views on artistic expression, we do not tolerate hurtful comments online and personal attacks on people posted on social media,” said the joint statement posted on the page. of Facebook of the PAssion Chingay Club.
“It is not consistent with the friendly and inclusive society we want to see.”
PA and SWDLDF expressed their support and solidarity with DSI, and said they hope the young dancers “will recover from the damage that has been done to them.”
PETITION: “STOP THE INSULT”
DSI had shared a link on Facebook on December 11 of a video showing its dancers in tutus wearing lion dance costumes.
The post drew criticism, with several comments claiming that the segment was disrespectful of Chinese culture.
A petition was subsequently created on Change.org and addressed to the Popular Association, asking the company to “stop the insult.”
As of December 29, the post has attracted 1,219 signatories.
“What a parody this is, the very act of wearing tutus underneath the lion dance costume that is considered a second skin to us who are members of the best lion dance companies in Singapore!” said the creator of the petition, nicknamed Lion Dance Singapore.
“How bold does it take to spoil the very fabric of Chinese cultural performance in the name of creativity?”
Lion Dance Singapore added that the Chingay parades are to show “diverse cultural identities” rather than “destroy a cultural image in the name of creativity”, and called for the dance segment to be removed from this year’s parade.
