Parkour performers set to put the moves on street festival

Parkour performers set to put the moves on street festival

Scaling walls and tumbling over hurdles, parkour practitioners will dazzle audiences with daring stunts at this year's Singapore Street Festival (SSF).

The crew from performance company Ashton Movements Agency will be one of 11 groups that will take to the stage during the month-long festival.

Its demonstration of the fast-moving discipline that incorporates acrobatics and gymnastics will take place on June 21 and 22 at Bugis+.

On both days, the crew will also conduct a workshop and competition for the public.

SFF adviser and Senior Minister of State for Law and Education Indranee Rajah highlighted parkour as one of the main draws of the 13th edition of the festival. She said: "While it is a visual spectacle to anyone who is watching it, it is actually a highly intensive physical activity and it demands a lot of discipline."

The SSF provides a platform for young Singaporeans with talent in activities including dance, music and sport to showcase their skills. Other highlights at the festival, which will run from June 12 to July 6, include an international breakdancing competition at Far East Plaza and street football workshops and competitions.

Festival founder Annie Pek, 58, said the platform hosts over 2,000 performers on average each year. This number has gone up by about 10 per cent each year. She said: "I feel that it's my social responsibility to provide a stage for the many youth among us who are teeming with talent and to give them a space to express themselves."

Ms Indranee said the SSF continues to be at the forefront of youth culture. She added: "It is my wish that the spirit of SSF will inspire Singapore's youth to chase their artistic passions and fulfil their dreams for many years to come."

 

This article was published on April 16 in The Straits Times.

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