K-pop dance crews seek new venues after Marina Bay Sands bans unauthorised performances

Ms Renee Han, a 25-year-old dance instructor also with Z-Axis, expressed disappointment but acknowledged it was Marina Bay Sands’ prerogative. “They are within their rights to do that. They own the place,” she said.

Many Z-Axis dancers have been performing in public spaces for a long time and are accustomed to “getting chased out”, she added. “We take it in stride. We’re appreciative that they let us use it for so long.

“For me, I just enjoy dancing with my friends, and whether or not the location draws a huge crowd it’s just a plus for me.”

At its peak, four to five different crews would perform at the fountain. Dancers said they understood the new rules were partly to address crowd control concerns in the busy area.

Ms Chong Yuki, 24, of Roxo Crew acknowledged the practical challenges that came with the fountain’s popularity, as dance groups’ lighting equipment and the crowds they attracted could obstruct tourists visiting the fountain and light show. 

“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. When I saw that there’s too many groups, I would feel a bit paiseh,” she said, using the Singlish term expressing embarrassment.