History of GetActive! Singapore Workout: Dance of the Nation

GetActive! Singapore Workout 2025: Dance of the Nation - Celebrating Unity Through Movement

Every August, as the nation gears up to celebrate National Day, thousands across Singapore lace up their shoes - not just for parades or fireworks, but for something a little more rhythmic. Enter the GetActive! Singapore Workout: Dance of the Nation - a vibrant, fast-growing feature of the National Day season that gets Singaporeans moving in step to the beat of national pride.

Helmed by Sport Singapore’s GetActive! Singapore movement, this annual mass dance campaign invites people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to come together through shared choreography - celebrating unity, fitness, and the spirit of the nation in one energetic expression.

A Rhythmic Tradition Since 2016

Launched in 2016, the GetActive! Singapore Workout: Dance of the Nation was created as part of GetActive! Singapore’s broader vision to promote healthy, active lifestyles in the lead-up to National Day. Its mission is simple: to encourage fitness through fun, bring communities together, and celebrate.

Since its first performance in 2016, it has evolved each year, mirroring the themes of the times. From mass school field performances in 2018, to entirely virtual challenges during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, each edition reflects Singapore’s collective spirit in different moments of history.

Movement Without Barriers

With a strong emphasis on accessibility, a team of choreographers design the routine to strike a balance between rhythm and approachability, allowing participants of varying fitness levels and dance experience to join in. 

Video tutorials and step-by-step guides are made available in multiple languages, and also includes adapted versions for people with different abilities. In 2024, the campaign took inclusivity further by integrating sign language into parts of the routine, making it more welcoming for the hearing-impaired community.

A Growing Movement, Powered by Community

In just under a decade, the national workout has grown from a fresh initiative into a beloved feature of National Day festivities, a campaign that flourishes through the power of community. Students perform it during assemblies, community groups host workshops, and families upload videos of their practice sessions - even Singaporeans living overseas join in virtually, making this a truly borderless celebration.

The campaign continues to evolve, not only in scale but in meaning. In 2024, GetActive! Singapore Workout: Dance of the Nation embraced a renewed focus on inclusivity and sustainability. Sign language was integrated into parts of the choreography to include the hearing-impaired community, while eco-themed visuals reminded participants of the importance of caring for both people and the planet. 

More than just a fitness activity, it is now a platform for collective expression, showing that everyone, regardless of background or ability, has a part to play in shaping the Singaporean story.

A Step Towards Unity

Much like the National Day Parade itself, this workout has carved out its place in Singapore’s cultural landscape, adding rhythm and movement to how we celebrate who we are. It stands as a testament to how sport and the arts can bring people together in a meaningful, healthy, and joyful way. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a first-timer, the message is clear: every step you take in the workout is a step towards unity, wellness, and pride in being Singaporean.

To learn the latest routine or join the movement, visit the GetActive! Singapore Workout 2025: Dance of the Nation page here..