Centrepoint Kids

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

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] 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]

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] Centrepoint Kids gone, The Straits Times, 23 February 1986, Page 2

[2] Centrepoint Kids must go, says youth group, The Straits Times, 28 January 1986, Page 36

[3] Centrepoint Kids normal, says study, The Straits Times, 18 November 1985, Page 10

[4] School’s out — and it’s time for a break, The Straits Times, 10 June 1984, Page 1

[5] The breaking point, The Straits Times, 24 June 1984, Page 10