New dance space at Marina South Pier MRT after Bayfront MRT frost mirrors due to feedback dance groups block 'pedestrian flow'

A panel of mirrors along the underground walkway near Bayfront MRT station has been frosted following public feedback about congestion caused by dance practices in the area.

In a statement to Mothership, Marina Bay Sands said the move was meant to facilitate smoother pedestrian movement along the linkway, which serves as a key route between the Bayfront MRT station and Gardens by the Bay.

“This follows public feedback that dance groups have been increasingly using the underground walkway for their dance rehearsals and practice sessions, blocking pedestrian flow at this high-traffic area,” an MBS spokesperson said.

“We need to ensure that this shared public space remains safe, accessible, and free from obstructions.”

Smoother pedestrian flow observed

When Mothership spoke to SMRT ground staff at Bayfront MRT on Jan. 16, staff said they had noticed less congestion in the walkway since the mirrors were frosted.

They added that pedestrian movement through the underpass appeared smoother as well.

Why dancers practice there

A dancer, Liz (not her real name), told Mothership that the Bayfront MRT walkway had been a regular practice spot for her and other dancers.

According to Liz, the space stood out because it offered both mirrors and air conditioning, a combination that is uncommon in public practice areas.

Mirrors are especially useful for checking formations and synchronisation, while air conditioning makes dance practice sessions more manageable in Singapore’s heat.

Mixed reactions among dancers

Liz said many dancers were initially disappointed when the mirrors were frosted, as it reduced the number of accessible places to practice.

Over time, some groups adapted by seeking out alternative locations.

From her perspective, the change was understandable given how busy the walkway can get.

“Avoiding the walkways can prevent overcrowding, which reduces safety risks,” Liz explained, adding that it will also help minimise distractions caused by passers-by during practice.

“That said, it would be beneficial if this change were accompanied by additional support for dancers, such as more designated practice spaces,” Liz pointed out.

Cost and access remain challenges

Studio rentals for dancers typically range from $50 to $90 an hour, which can be costly, especially for students.

Many have since gravitated towards spaces such as *SCAPE at Orchard, which provides mirrors and ventilation.

However, these areas can become crowded, particularly on weekends.

Liz suggested that expanding existing facilities or creating more spaces with similar features could help meet demand.

SMRT has opened up stations for dance use

SMRT has, in recent years, experimented with providing public spaces for dancers within MRT stations.

During last year’s Super24 competition season, a popular dance competition, SMRT also opened up several MRT stations, including One-North, Marina South Pier and Esplanade, as rehearsal spaces for participating teams.

This year, SMRT introduced MirrorMoves, a dedicated mirror space at Marina South Pier station that allows dancers to practise freely without bookings or fees.

The space is part of SMRT’s Communities in Station Programme, which aims to create more vibrant and inclusive station environments.

The initiative was organised by local dance studio OSchool and the National Arts Council.

In fact, SMRT recently uploaded a video on Jan. 15, starting with the line "hey, I heard you're looking for a dance space" at Marina South Pier station, perhaps a reference to the current situation.

Comments were supportive of the location featured as well, citing the less-crowded nature of the station.

ActiveSG's free dance spaces at selected sports centres

Beyond MRT stations, ActiveSG has also made spaces available for dancers through its ActiveGroove programme.

ActiveGroove partners with ActiveSG Sport Centres to repurpose existing facilities into designated dance zones, allowing members of the public to practise street dance genres in shared spaces.

There are eight free-to-use dance zones across Singapore:

• Bishan Sports Centre
• Clementi Swimming Complex
• Jurong West Sports Centre
• Seng Kang Swimming Complex
• Sport Village @ Jurong Town
• Pasir Ris Swimming Complex
• Yishun Stadium
• Yio Chu Kang Tennis Centre

These dance zones are free for public use, though users are required to make a booking in advance through ActiveSG’s system.

Dancing at Bayfront MRT walkway no longer encouraged

Liz, understandably so, views the frosted glass as a sign that dancing is no longer encouraged at Bayfront MRT, and she said dancers do not want to overstep that boundary.

Following the frosting of the mirrors, Liz says her own practices have shifted entirely to *SCAPE.

“I hope that more suitable spaces can be made available so dancers can practise safely and continue developing their passion and skills.”

Marina South Pier MRT?

This dance space is still new, and more can be done to spread the news. The TikTok was just uploaded on Jan. 15 after all.

It might go great, or it might end up not being as organic a hotspot as areas like Bayfront. Only time will tell.

It’s great to have more spaces for these activities, but it’s probably important to listen to what the dancers themselves have to say about what they need from a space.

The demand is certainly there, though, and hey, I heard they’re looking for a dance space.

Image from Mothership and SMRT/TikTok