Dancers Loved Practising in This Singapore Walkway. Then the Complaints Came

In early 2026, the underground linkway at Bayfront MRT station transformed from a mundane pedestrian thoroughfare into a vibrant dance haven, complete with full-length mirrors—until complaints led to the mirrors being frosted over on January 1, prioritizing safety and flow.[2][1]

A Dance Hotspot Emerges

The Bayfront MRT linkway, connecting commuters to Gardens by the Bay, became an unlikely rehearsal spot for young dancers. Full-length mirrors lining the walls turned it into a free, accessible studio, drawing groups practicing TikTok routines, K-pop choreography, and more. Videos shared by users like Nana0813 captured the energy, with one clip amassing over 86,000 views by mid-January, showing dancers mid-performance before the mirrors’ opaque covering.[2]

Dancers flocked here for practical reasons: affordability and convenience. Natasha Lee, a 26-year-old former school dance team member, told AsiaOne that public spaces like this allowed her group to “experiment freely and rehearse” when studios were too expensive, fully booked, or inconvenient.[2] “Such open spaces… were a good avenue for some of my batchmates to dance in public to gain confidence before big performances,” she added.[2]

This wasn’t isolated. Similar scenes unfolded at Singapore Management University’s basement concourse, Bras Basah MRT, Scape in Orchard Road, and even Changi Airport. A dancer named Liz described Bayfront as a “regular practice spot” for her group, while Marina South Pier MRT emerged as a new favorite post-frosting.[3][1] At NAFA, students navigate bustling pathways, intuitively choreographing around commuters to claim space for practice.[1]

Hoe Su Fern, Principal Research Fellow at NAFA-UAS, views these activations positively: “Creativity and passion thrive even in the most constrained environments, enriching our urban fabric.”[1] She notes shrinking affordable arts spaces, like the crowded *SCAPE, underscoring why dancers improvise.[1]

Complaints Mount: Obstruction and Safety Concerns

The idyll ended with public feedback. Marina Bay Sands (MBS), overseeing the linkway, frosted the mirrors “to facilitate seamless pedestrian flow” after dancers increasingly blocked the high-traffic area.[2] An MBS spokesperson explained: “Dance groups have been… blocking pedestrian flow… We need to ensure this shared public space remains safe, accessible, and free from obstructions.”[2]

Commuters reported congestion, especially from groups filming TikTok videos or bringing props and furniture. One netizen recounted a December visit choked with dancers, while others argued walkways should prioritize pedestrians.[2] This echoes broader tensions: elderly singers at Chinatown MRT drew shop owner complaints, and Marina Bay Sands’ fountain area now requires approvals for performances.[1]

Urban planner Hoe highlights Singapore’s pragmatic history, where space is seen as “primarily a utilitarian resource.”[1] In a dense, diversifying city, balancing individual expression with collective harmony grows trickier.[1]

Netizens Divided: Support vs. Sympathy

Online debate erupted. Many cheered the change: “Walkways should be kept open for pedestrians,” one said, urging dancers to be “mindful.”[2] Critics pointed to props exacerbating blockages.[2]

Others empathized, lamenting Singapore’s lack of open spaces. “And u ask why the arts culture in Singapore is not growing 🤷🏻♀️,” Nana0813 captioned her video.[2] Suggestions included more public dance studios or expanding SMRT’s Communities in Station program, which added chess at Bras Basah MRT and table tennis at Esplanade MRT.[2] Dancers like Natasha acknowledged some groups overstep but stressed most are considerate.[2]

Broader Implications for Public Spaces

These incidents reveal Singapore’s evolving urban psyche. As Hoe argues, ground-up activations incubate talent, foster health, social bonds, and community—safer than “doomscrolling.”[1] Yet, MRT linkways’ role in daily commutes demands unobstructed access, raising valid safety and liability issues.[1]

NAFA exemplifies balance: students ensure practices don’t hinder movement or create clusters.[1] Civic responsibility is key—mutual negotiation turns constraints into “choreography itself.”[1]

Toward Inclusive Solutions

By March 2026, dancers adapt, eyeing Marina South Pier and beyond. The frosting prompts reflection: Can Singapore evolve beyond utility, becoming a “canvas for expression”?[1] Dedicated spaces, clearer guidelines, and community input could harmonize spontaneity with order.

Ultimately, these clashes underscore a maturing society negotiating needs in shared environments. Dancers’ passion enriches the city, but so does seamless flow. Fostering both requires all stakeholders—dancers, commuters, authorities—to co-create vibrant, respectful public realms.[1][2]

(Word count: 812)

Original source: BBC News – World – Dancers loved practising in this Singapore walkway. Then the complaints came