Kicking Off the Singapore National Day Parade: A Behind‑the‑Scenes Look at the King of Choreography
“Managing people is all about motivation.” That’s the mantra that HRs brag about while they scramble to design ice‑breakers for a bored workforce. Now, imagine you had to energise 2,000+ performers—students, volunteers, martial artists, and the occasional glittering makeup artist—for Singapore’s biggest show of the year.
Meet Andy Benjamin Cai – the Maestro of NDP 2022
- Role: Chief choreographer for the National Day Parade
- Location: Marina Bay Floating Platform (this was the last hurrah before the site gets a makeover into NS Square)
- Team: 1,300 student and youth performers, volunteers from Touch Community Services, People’s Association, Families For Life, Soka Gakkai Singapore, and martial artists from Martial House
- Experience: 18 years in dancing and choreographing, with a long record at the L.A.S.E.L.L.E College of the Arts
- Previous NDP involvement: 2017 show
Andy’s full day isn’t just about lining up dancers—he’s a senior manager at the Music & Drama Company. He crafts shows to lift the spirits of National Service enlistees on Pulau Tekong and keeps crowds entertained at SAF‑related events like the Army Open House.
The Big Gig – 2,000 People, 1,300 Moves
Leading a massive workforce of performers is no mean feat. Imagine the daily chaos of rehearsals, wardrobe fittings, and the “I’ve lost my shoes” moments that happen on set. Andy has to keep everyone on rhythm, on schedule, and on their best sarcastic one-liners.
Thankfully, he isn’t doing it solo. A squad of assistant choreographers and show partners—who are essentially fellow motion engineers—help him carry the weight. They pass down cues, tweak choreography, and make sure each line of the parade shines.
From the Front Line to the Comfort Zone
After a long day of keeping the parade from turning into a tangled mess, Andy finds his cool‑down at two favorite spots:
- Hai Di Lao: The hotpot place where the broth is hotter than the rehearsal table.
- The Fragment Room: A chill lounge that offers a break from the crowd frenzy.
These spots provide the perfect mix of comfort and a bit of “self‑care” humor—after all, the stamina of a choreographer is no less taxing than that of a touring stage actor.
Final Takeaway
Managing the largest gathering of performers in Singapore is a Herculean task that blends leadership, creativity, and a dash of stress management. Andy Benjamin Cai, with his seasoned expertise and a solid team behind him, proves that even when the stakes are sky‑high, the right choreography can keep everyone dancing to the same beat.
Wah, Andy, as chief choreographer, you’re there from the start to the end – shag sia. What do you do to keep up your drive and mental health, and to just chill?
Food, Fun & Freedom: My Daily Stress‑Busters
When a week’s worth of meetings crushes my energy—seven straight hours, no lunch, no break—my brain screams for a quick escape. I reply by heading straight to Hai Di Lao, the hot‑pot haven that keeps my sanity at bay.
The Golden Ticket: Hai Di Lao
- Stir‑up the broth, dip the veggies, and let the aroma turn my day from dreary to dreamy.
- It’s more than just food; it’s the instant “happi‑time” that reminds me every meal matters.
Finding Zen in the Strip
I love a place that blends excitement and calm—enter the Floating Platform at Marina Square. The glass‑floor walk offers a quick “ah‑mazing” pause with a view that makes my worries float away.
One Word for the Wander
Because I’m a dancer‑choreographer, movement is my lifeline. The Fragment Room is my personal danceHQ where I can’t just vent—they’re not meant to be aggressive but to swing out the frustrations.
- It’s the perfect spot for a quick stretch and a laugh at myself.
- Not every dancer does it, but for me, it’s the secret sauce to keep both mind and body in sync.
Final Takeaway
So yes, the combo of hot‑pot bliss, sky‑high strolls, and killer choreography keeps my day on track. But remember—I’m just talking about myself; every dancer’s vibe might just be a different rhythm.
This isn’t your first time being involved in NDP. How different is NDP 2022 for you?
When Everyone Turns the Spotlight on the Stage
It’s the one time of the year when the air crackles with the same electric buzz that carries over the streetlights. The participants are simply unstoppable—full of zest and ready to show off their best.
Every time I say, “One more go!” they answer in unison, “YEAH!!!” – their enthusiasm lifts my spirits and fuels my own drive.
Why It Feels Like a New Era
- Fresh faces, fresh acts – every story is a burst of personality.
- The energy is contagious; it’s hard not to grin when someone steps onto the stage.
- Each performance is a moment that turns into an unforgettable highlight.
Spreading the Joy (and the Humor)
I’ve seen that the more you get involved, the more the joy spreads. It’s just the joy of seeing people give it all and laugh at the little mishaps along the way. The best part? It’s that amazing, “you can’t stop the hype” moment that keeps us going.
With the National Education Shows for the Primary 5 students, NDP previews, and the actual show on 9 Aug, the production gets repeated numerous times. Do you get emotional at any of them?
Running the Daily Madness Marathon
Every week, the show’s got a fresh set of twists, and honestly, I’m running on fumes. Instead of getting the sweet feeling of a thriller, my brain is stuck in a “Do you have the step count?” loop.
My Daily Checklist of Chaos
- “Did you get the step count?!”
- “What time code are you heading in now?”
- “Are you dropping by the right entrance?”
- “We just switched this, why are you here still?”
It’s so overwhelming I’m pretty sure I’ll only get a pop of emotion on August 9th. By then, the program will be so locked in that we’re basically just stuck in a glittery, never‑ending loop.
Bottom line: Let’s Keep It Light
So while I’m grumbling about the never‑ending changes, I’ll keep my tongue in check and stay laughing. After all, if life’s a circus, let’s enjoy the trapeze act!
There are over 2,000 performers in NDP 2022. What’s the secret behind managing such a massive group?
Get Ready to Rock the National Day Parade!
Picture this: you’re standing on the stage, basking in the blazing sun, and the whole crew is staring right at you. If you’re showing them your moves, keeping them in shape, and rolling up for every single rehearsal, they’ll notice. They’ll listen, they’ll feel the vibe, and most importantly, they’ll respect the effort you’re putting in.
Why Going the Extra Mile Matters
- Visibility: Everyone notices when you’re there, making the sunny day feel less scorching.
- Engagement: Demonstrating the choreography keeps the team sharp and united.
- Reliability: Attending every rehearsal shows you’re dependable and ready to give it your all.
Keep the Momentum Alive
Keep interacting, keep moving, and keep encouraging. Your presence lifts their spirits, boosts their confidence, and enhances the overall performance. When you’re part of the crew, you’re not just a participant—you’re the spark that fuels the whole show.
— And, by the way, stay tuned for Adrian Pang stepping in as the first-time director for the NDP! The excitement is just getting started.
