Bridging the age & generation gap in Chingay 2018

DEFYING AGE: Tan Leng Har, back along with her family members to join in breaking the record for the longest LED dragon. (PHOTO: Darren Ng)

SINGAPORE – Over the pounding music and strobing lights, a LED-studded dragon figure moves swiftly in an orchestrated manner. This is the work of Geylang Serai Community Centre’s Dragon Dance troupe, all clad in matching red and black, hoisting the figure of the LED dragon with gusto during the first rehearsal (3 Feb) for Chingay 2018.

Among the sea of red and black helping breathe life to the LED figure is 72-year-old Tan Leng Har, an energetic and youthful elderly lady who has been faithfully participating in Chingay for more than 10 years.

To Mdm Tan, age is not a deterring factor for her. From catwalks to PA-organised recycling projects, these are just some of the things Mdm Tan has done in the past 10 years of her participation.“If I have the chance to join the Chingay parade, I join,” the bubbly 72-year-old commented.

In the past couple of years at Chingay, the able-bodied Mdm Tan has been actively participating in the Dragon Dance contingent of the Chingay parade. To be one of the troupe members hoisting the LED dragon figure is by no means an easy feat; training sessions which started in early January can last for at least three hours per session. Mdm Tan said: “For me, I knew I had the strength to join Dragon Dance to take (the pole) and to run (with it). Not everyone can do it.”

A fresh face is also joining this year’s Dragon Dance troupe line-up. 8-year-old Toh En Yi, along with his father and grandmother - 48-year-old Toh Eng Keong & 77-year-old Chan Yin Ho, are taking on the experience of Chingay; in this case, in the ranks of the dragon dance troupe.

Despite his young age, En Yi is unfazed by the intense training regime that older troupe members too have to undergo. Among school commitments, En Yi still sets aside time for the training.

On top of wanting to experience and be a part of this year’s Chingay Parade, Mr Toh added that this would be a good opportunity for his family to make friends among like-minded people here.

However, that is not the only reason why the trio are participating this year. In recent years, participation among the younger generation for dragon dance performances has been slowly dwindling.

“Dragon dance is a part of the Chinese culture,” said the 48-year-old Mr Toh. “We have to update and modernise dragon dance to attract the younger ones to continue the tradition. Moreover, it is important to preserve our Chinese culture. I think it's important towards our cultural roots as Chinese people.”

From preserving cultures to igniting passions, there are several reasons as to people from all walks of life come together to make Chingay possible. This parade has the ability to bring families closer. No matter the age or schedule, there are no boundaries when it comes to Chingay.

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