The Chingay Parade 2011 opened with a bang on February 11 and 12 2011at the F1 Pit Building, where it thrilled a crowd of 200,000 spectators during the joyous Lunar New Year’s festive. Slated to be Asia’s grandest street and float parade, Chingay Parade 2011 brought together a colourful, vibrant showcase of diverse cultures. Performers from different parts of the world such as Indonesia, China, Japan, Germany and Mexico made the parade truly cosmopolitan.
SSA was honoured to partake in this spectacular celebration attended by Guest-of-Honour Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and President S R Nathan. A float brightly displaying the words, “Soka 30th Year in Chingay” was specially dedicated by People’s Association to SSA in appreciation of her 30 years of participation in Chingay.
With the support of Wildlife Reserves Singapore, SSA presented “The Animal Kingdom” performance. A total of 250 SSA participants from RHQ 5 in costumes of giraffes, zebras, Tarzans, Janes, Safari Rangers and Dancing Trees, wowed everyone with their animated dance and spontaneous interaction. Moving along with the pulsating music was the “Animal Kingdom” float featuring life-size props of elephant and various flora and fauna of the tropical safari. Waving to the crowd from the top of the float were eight Tarzan and Jane performers.
Preparation for Chingay Parade 2011 began as early as June 2010 where ideas were conceptualised and brainstormed. Trainings began in September 2010 led by 15 trainers and three choreographers. 30 members of SSA Production Support Group worked tirelessly to ensure the proper storage and transportation of the props to avoid damages. Behind the scenes, 12 members from the administrative team, 50 members of Soka Stallion (Men Divsion Logistic Group), 50 members of SSA Passion Group and 15 members of SSA Medical Group worked closely to ensure the success of all the rehearsals and performances.
Besides the main Chingay performances, four giraffes and four zebras performers gave brief performances at the pre-Chingay mini parades earlier on January 16 and 23 at Orchard Road. After the Chingay parade, several SSA participants also joined the Animal Kingdom float and nine other floats to tour the heartlands at Aljunied GRC and Hougang SMC, and Bishan – Toa Payoh on February 13, 19 and 20 respectively. The events at the heartland were attended by various ministers and Members of Parliament. Chingay Parade 2011 was telecasted nationwide on local television channels on February 13 and 20, and was also made live for public viewing via internet webcast.
