The Chinese ribbon dance is a burst of colour for a Singapore event. Dancers in traditional costume swirl long silk ribbons into spirals, waves and loops that seem to hang in the air, so the whole stage fills with colour and movement. It is associated with happiness, prosperity and good fortune, which is why it fits a wedding banquet, a company celebration or a Chinese New Year opening so well.
Price: a Chinese cultural dance, including the ribbon dance, usually costs SGD 800 to 2,500 per performance set. See how much a cultural dance performance costs in Singapore.
Where the ribbon dance comes from
The ribbon dance is traditionally traced to the Han dynasty. One story links the ribbons to the silk sleeve that a hero used to block an assassin's sword and save a Han emperor. Over time it grew into many forms, both traditional and contemporary.
What a ribbon dance performance includes
- Live ribbon dancers in traditional attire, with their silk ribbons.
- A routine customised to your theme, your audience and your stage.
- Music provided, with coordination with your event planner on timing.
- An optional interactive segment, where guests try the ribbon for themselves.
A typical performance runs 5 to 15 minutes, and the length can be adjusted to fit your programme. Ribbon dancers can also be part of a longer Chinese dance set with a fan dance or a lantern dance. See Chinese dance performances.
When to book a ribbon dance
- Corporate functions and galas. A bright, graceful item that suits a seated dinner. See corporate events.
- Weddings. A banquet item between courses, chosen for its meaning of happiness and good fortune. See cultural dance for weddings.
- Chinese New Year and cultural festivals. A ribbon dance in red and gold for an office, a mall or a community stage. See the festivals page.
- Exhibitions and public events. A moving centrepiece that draws people to a stage or a stand.
Space and ceiling height
Ribbons travel a long way from the dancer's hand. Give the dancers clear stage or flat floor with no tables, lights or guests inside the ribbon's reach, and check the ceiling height if the routine sends the ribbons upward. Low mall or function room ceilings can limit the routine, so tell us the stage size and the ceiling height when you ask for a quote.
Book ribbon dancers
Send the date, the venue, the occasion and the length of your slot on WhatsApp or through the quote form. For dates around Chinese New Year, book early, since Chinese dancers are in high demand then.
