NDP to feature pyrotechnic performances

SINGAPORE: Spectators of this year’s National Day Parade will not only enjoy a dazzling display of fireworks in the sky, but also be treated to a fiery performance from some participants.

The Singapore Armed Forces Military Police trained for months to perfect their precision drills.

This attention to detail is all the more crucial, when pyrotechnics are used.

And performing with fire means safety precautions must be taken, said choreographer Allan Tay.

"The safety precautions we have so far is having fire—retardant spray on our uniform, and also wearing shades to protect us from the sparks," he said.

Pyrotechnics are also used in the segment by the Singapore SOKA Association — a long—time contributor to the National Day Parade.

Besides mastering choreography, the performers will work with a torch which releases pyrotechnics at a click of a button.

Aside from the strict safety briefing before each rehearsal or performance, participants also wear costumes that have a coating of fire—resistant spray.

SOKA choreographer, Tay Jin Wen, said: "We took up the challenge to actually have props together with pyrotechnics. So it will make it visually more interesting as well."

Ting Tak Piw, the oldest SOKA performer, said: "Maybe because of my age, when I was younger we used to play with fireworks. So having gone through that experience, I’m not so scared now. But the younger performers have never played with fireworks, so they were quite concerned."

Quan Yuan Li, the youngest SOKA performer, said: "It’s my first time performing and I’m already performing with pyrotechnics. They also previously mentioned of some fall—off after the pyrotechnics are activated, which may hurt a bit, so I’m quite worried."

But their hard work — some five months of training — will pay off with a blazing finale of some 600 torches.

— CNA/cc