Collections and Research
Centrepoint Kids
17 June 2016
Fiona Tan 4 years ago 1 min. read
Teens continued to find their place along Orchard Road, such as these skateboarders at the Dhoby Ghaut Mass Rapid Transit Station, 1989. Ministry of Information and the Arts collection, courtesy of NAS. Ref: 19990001360 – 0025 (opens in new tab)
Breakdancing was the rage in 1980s and Orchard Road was the central of the fad. The fifth-storey corridor at Centrepoint, with its mirrors, was a hotspot for those seeking to practice their moves, until chased away by security guards. [4] (opens in new tab) However, one breakdance session on 23 June 1984 led to police task forces dispersing over 3000 people crowding pedestrian malls along Orchard Road. They had gathered to watch a breakdancing session organised by the owner of a record shop in Far East Plaza. Despite a prior cancellation of the event due to complaints from shopkeepers, some youths had brought along their own portable cassette players, intending to dance anyway. [5] (opens in new tab)
This is a series of posts on Orchard Road, part of the NAS’ exhibition irememberOrchard, which was on display at library@Orchard from 23 October 2014 to 26 April 2015
References
[1] (opens in new tab) Centrepoint Kids gone (opens in new tab), The Straits Times, 23 February 1986, Page 2
[2] (opens in new tab) Centrepoint Kids must go, says youth group (opens in new tab), The Straits Times, 28 January 1986, Page 36
[3] (opens in new tab) Centrepoint Kids normal, says study (opens in new tab), The Straits Times, 18 November 1985, Page 10
[4] (opens in new tab) School’s out — and it’s time for a break (opens in new tab), The Straits Times, 10 June 1984, Page 1
[5] (opens in new tab) The breaking point (opens in new tab), The Straits Times, 24 June 1984, Page 10