Lighting up the bay: O School brings youthful energy to National Day celebrations

With the city skyline as their backdrop and beats echoing across Marina Bay, the dancers from O School lit up the stage at the NTUC NDP Bay Celebrations 2025 preview shows on 26 July and 2 August 2025.

Their moves, powerful and packed with personality, captivate the crowd and set the tone for what promises to be a high-energy lead-up to National Day.

One of Singapore’s most recognised names in street dance, O School is more than just a dance school. It’s a creative home for passionate young dancers, many of whom juggle school, work, or personal challenges while chasing their dreams through movement.

Ahead of their main performance this National Day, we spoke to several of the dancers about what drives them, how they’ve grown, and the hopes they carry—not just for themselves, but for Singapore.

Clara, 21

21-year-old Clara’s dance journey began at just five years old, when her mum gave her a choice between music and movement.

“Somehow or rather I chose dance,” she laughed.

And she has never looked back since. From ballet to contemporary styles, Clara has embraced every step of the journey.

Now a university student, she’s proud to be performing at this year’s Bay Celebrations.

“It feels meaningful, especially getting to express the hopes and dreams of youth in Singapore,” she said.

While she admits the unpredictability of performing outdoors can be stressful, she finds joy in connecting with fellow dancers and performing for a crowd.

Looking ahead, Clara hopes to build a fulfilling career while keeping dance close to heart. “I'm just very excited to see what I’ll become,” she says, “and how I can contribute to Singapore’s future.”

Angelo, 22

For Angelo, dance began as a way for him to cope with academic stress but quickly became a lifelong passion.

Now 22 and studying data science at NUS, Angelo continues to perform and even teach dance, drawing strength from the discipline and the joy it brings.

“I kind of have to thank the Singapore education for how well I’ve become as a dancer,” he joked.

At this year’s Bay Celebrations, Angelo hopes audiences will take away a message of unity and optimism.

“The segment ends with brighter smiles and energetic movement. It’s our way of saying we see a better future,” he said.

As a performer, he hopes to contribute to a future where humility, resilience, and care for others remain Singapore’s strongest values.

Ashleigh, 15

For Ashleigh, the youngest O School performer at the NTUC NDP Bay Celebration, the stage has always felt like home.

Since she was a toddler, she would often follow her older sister to her dance classes. Inspired by her sibling’s dance moves, she eventually found herself attending hip hop classes at O School at the tender age of four.

“I just find myself in dance,” she shared.

Behind the scenes, she expertly juggles school with rehearsals, relying on a strong support system from her family to keep everything in balance. She also hopes that every dancer can keep their passion alive, no matter their age.

As for her advice for aspiring dancers, she said: “Just go for it. You might end up loving the feeling of performing.”

Udayan, 25

For 25-year-old Udayan, stepping onto the stage of this year’s Bay Celebrations marks more than just his first public gig—it’s a leap of faith from the labs of NUS, where he’s studying Materials Science, to the spotlight of a national celebration.

He only picked up dance recently, having found joy, community, and self-expression through movement.

He added that although balancing late nights between studies and rehearsals has been tough, the experience has been deeply rewarding.

“This year’s National Day means a bit more than most because I get to participate firsthand. It’s a big step for me,” he shared.

Looking ahead, Udayan hopes Singapore continues growing as a society that values respect and dignity.

“I hope we can build a harmonious society where everyone can respect each other and live the way they want,” he said.

Onward to National Day 2025!

Over the last two weeks, the dancers of O School have showed us how art can be a powerful voice for youth. And while the preview shows were just a glimpse, the main event is still to come.

If you’ve managed to snag your Bay Celebration tickets, you can catch O School and other exciting acts at the Bay on 9 August, proudly brought to you by NTUC Youth.

NTUC Youth supports aspiring youths by providing a wide range of opportunities and platforms to grow, lead, and make an impact.

Expect a night of music, dance, and community spirit as we celebrate what it means to be young, proud, and Singaporean.

“NTUC is here to support your aspirations and your drive to shape a brighter future for Singapore. So go forth—pursue your dreams with confidence, purpose and passion because you matter, and #EveryYouthMatters,” said NTUC Youth Director Natasha Choy.

At NTUC, we know that you(th) are our future. Find out how our Starter Membership can help you get you a head start in your career!