K-Pop Dance Crews Seek New Venues After Marina Bay Sands Ban

K-pop dance performances that animated the outdoor fountain area of Marina Bay Sands in Singapore have been halted following new restrictions implemented by the venue. The integrated resort announced in August 2023 that all choreographed performances and filming on its premises now require prior approval. This change follows a significant increase in requests from dance groups eager to showcase their routines in public spaces.

The outdoor fountain, located near the promenade, had become an unofficial stage for K-pop cover crews, who gathered on weekends to perform and film. The picturesque backdrop made it a popular spot for dancers following the “K-pop in Public” trend, which involves recreating music video choreography in public areas. “We thought it was already becoming something like street busking, like a tourist attraction,” said Jasmine Ng, a member of Z-Axis Dance Crew, one of Singapore’s notable K-pop cover groups, which has over 300,000 subscribers on YouTube.

New Regulations Impact Dance Community

Under the new guidelines, Marina Bay Sands evaluates performance requests based on several factors, including the need for professional setups, potential disruption to the venue’s tenants and visitors, and the likelihood of drawing large crowds. All performances now require an arts entertainment license. A spokesperson for the resort stated, “While we appreciate the growing interest and participation within the local community, we remain mindful that these are shared public spaces intended for the enjoyment of all.”

Dancers first learned about the restrictions when a fan filming a performance was approached by security and asked to leave. Ng expressed disappointment over the changes, noting that audience feedback indicated a fondness for the performances at the fountain. “Even the online comments … they are also asking us to go back to our previous filming location. I think the audience really liked what we were doing when we were filming there,” she said.

Another member of Z-Axis, Renee Han, acknowledged the venue’s right to impose such regulations. “They are within their rights to do that. They own the place,” she remarked. Many members of Z-Axis have been performing in public spaces for years and are accustomed to being moved along by authorities. “We take it in stride. We’re appreciative that they let us use it for so long,” Han added.

At the fountain’s peak, four to five different dance crews would perform simultaneously. Dancers recognized that the new rules aimed to manage crowd control, as the popularity of the fountain often resulted in large gatherings of spectators. “There are a lot of people who want to walk around, and because we place all the lights there, it can block people’s way,” said Chong Yuki of Roxo Crew.

Challenges in Finding New Venues

In the wake of the ban, dance crews are now searching for alternative venues, but the process has proven to be complicated. Many locations require permits or licenses, which can be time-consuming and costly. “It’s very troublesome for us to find other places because everywhere in Singapore, you’ll need to apply for a permit or license to film,” said Pearly Wong, also from Roxo Crew. “It was only MBS that allowed us to film without worrying so far.”

This displacement has sparked tensions among the dance groups. Chong noted that Marina Bay Sands had fostered a sense of community among performers. “Now … everyone has to snatch the spots. Sometimes, it’s difficult to avoid some drama,” she explained, referring to disputes over videographers and access to certain spaces.

Despite the challenges, some crews have found new opportunities. Roxo Crew has received approval from the Urban Redevelopment Authority to film at a nearby outdoor spot, while Z-Axis has secured a permit to perform at Bugis Junction, near the mall’s fountain. Han pointed out that crowds watching Z-Axis performances have increased significantly, with attendance growing from fewer than ten people to over 100 during peak times.

The dancers believe that public K-pop performances could enhance Singapore’s tourism industry. They reference how international dance crews film at famous landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris and Times Square in New York, as a means to promote their cities. “I thought MBS could be the Singapore one, it’s like, a good way to recognize where each group is from,” Han suggested.

Some dancers propose a compromise, such as allowing crews to rotate performance slots on weekends. Jesslyn Khoo, who filmed a performance with 24 other dancers at Marina Bay Sands earlier this year, argued that such content generates valuable publicity for Singapore. She believes the government should consider removing the permit requirement, as K-pop performances attract international interest and tourism. “People will always know this is the place where you can watch K-pop group covers. Now you ask, where’s the next place? I have no idea,” Khoo said.

As K-pop continues to gain traction globally, the future of public performances in Singapore remains uncertain, but the passion of local dance crews showcases their commitment to sharing their art with audiences despite the obstacles they face.