DRONE DISPLAY, MOSQUITO PUPPETS IN NDP SHOW

A hundred giant mosquitoes swarming across the stage might make a bizarre sight for a performance.

But this bold display is actually part of a fun clap choreography in this year s National Day Parade (NDP).

The mosquito puppet dance, part of an act that is dedicated to the physical environment of Singapore, has audiences clapping along to eliminate the mosquitoes. It symbolises the nation s collective effort in addressing the mosquito threat.

The Show segment of Singapore s 52nd birthday celebrations will be told across six acts. In line with the #OneNationTogether theme, it features the collective strength of all citizens.

"We'll do what we do in a typical birthday celebration, said Chairman of NDP 2017 Show and Dynamic Defence Display (D3) Committee, Colonel (COL) Tan Tiong Keat. We gather with our friends and families in a cosy setting to reflect on the past, celebrate the present and look forward to the future."

Also for the first time in an NDP, audiences will be treated to an unmanned drone show. Three hundred drones will take to the skies in what will be the largest such display in Southeast Asia. The performance aims to inspire Singaporeans to innovate as the nation progresses into the future.

Apart from new highlights, NDP crowd favourite the Red Lions skydivers will return after a two-year absence.

Another thing that has remained unchanged is the commitment and the sacrifices made by the show performers , said COL Tan. For them to come down every week to rehearse for the show is really fantastic.

For participant Mdm Sa adiah Binte Sanuse, 53, performing to the entire nation is something to be proud of.

The show is also special to the second-time NDP performer as she will be dancing alongside her daughter, Nur Shaqira Binte Sheik Alau ddin.

It s our bonding time also because we are here together, said the Singapore Silat Federation performer. We have even more things to talk about and we laugh together at the mistakes we make during rehearsals.

Her joy of participating in NDP is shared by fellow performer Mary Ho, or Grandma Mary, as she is affectionately known.

I m very excited and happy to see all these young and old people perform together like one family, said the 81-year-old, who is the oldest participant in this year s NDP.

Grandma Mary will be performing a guitar solo as part of a segment that celebrates social unity.

Although well-known for her Carlos Santana covers and rock pieces on YouTube, she is excited to rock to NDP tunes for the show. Grandma Mary will be performing with 400 participants from the People s Association, in an act that will lead up to a yum seng toast to the country.

She said: It s such a happy feeling because everybody dances it s such a beautiful sight to see!