Singapore youth troupe puts fresh spin on traditional art of stilt-walking

“Standing tall before (what seems like) the whole of Singapore, I always feel this great sense of pride.”

Youth participation has risen over the last three to four years, with half of Chingay 2026 performers under 35 years old, said Ms Tok Hui Lin, vice-chairperson of the Chingay 2026 executive committee.

Ms Tok, who is also deputy director (arts and culture) at the People’s Association (PA), noted that since Chingay 2023, PA has made concerted efforts to engage a broader spectrum of youth groups, including interest groups and informal groups.

Through enhanced social media outreach and its National Education Programme, PA has raised awareness among young people about opportunities to showcase their talents and interests.

“When more young people step forward as performers, volunteers and co-designers, it shows that Chingay continues to resonate with the next generation,” Ms Tok said. “By engaging them early, we build a deeper sense of belonging and empower them to carry this uniquely Singaporean tradition forward.”

Despite a fear of heights, Mr Goh overcame his phobia to learn stilt-walking at the encouragement of his friends.

“I wanted to give up many times at the beginning,” he said. “My parents kept asking me to quit when they saw me going home with bruises and injuries.”

Under the guidance of stilt-walking master John Ng, he mastered the basics in just two to three sessions, walking on stilts ranging from around 0.75m to 3m high.

More than a year and several falls later, he has perfected stunts such as flips and leaps over fire rings, tables and chairs.

Falls are part and parcel of training, he said, but there is a correct way to fall to prevent injuries, such as by squatting low and falling forward.

He estimates that there are about 100 stilt-walkers left in Singapore, as many have retired.

Mr Goh said the troupe is driven by passion rather than profit. All earnings go towards rental of storage space in Defu Lane, as well as costumes, props, stilts and meals.

He hopes to recruit more members, as not everyone is available for every performance.

“In this era, not many young people are interested in this traditional art form. And once they enter the workforce, they may be busy with their careers or tied up with starting their family,” he said.

They train once a week for about two hours.

Troupe member Edwin Koo, 24, was introduced to the art form in 2023 by a friend.

“Because stilt-walking was something that I had never seen or heard of before, I thought, why not try something new?” said the sales professional, who likes new challenges.

The various stunts pique his interest and keep him going, he said.

Ms Lyndy Koh, 23, first came across the troupe in 2024 when they were performing at a temple. The computer science undergraduate then asked to join them.

While the training is physically demanding, she looks forward to entertaining others.

“There is a unique joy in being up there, sharing this craft with an audience and seeing their reactions,” she said. “I hope more people would learn to appreciate this traditional art.”