In 2015, Koh Ya Fen ventured downstairs to the nearby Teban Neighbourhood Park for her morning exercise. She planted a mini portable speaker on the grass, and started dancing. Eventually, a passerby asked if she could join in — then another.
Now, almost a decade later, the group has multiplied to more than 60 people — mostly seniors, and almost entirely women — and it has a name: Everdance.
According to founder Ya Fen, it’s short for “dancing whatever, forever” — every morning, rain or shine, without a break.
Yes, that includes weekends, public holidays and special occasions.
Advertisement
Meanwhile, the “whatever” bit of Everdance refers to the self-styled “auntie” dance group’s rules and regulations – of which there are none. There is no joining fee, nor any obligations or expectations of dancing ability.
Everdance: An accessible “auntie” dance group for all ages and abilities
Instead, everything the housewife and mother of three teaches to the ladies of Everdance comes from YouTube, with the songs chosen and moves adapted by a team of trusty lieutenants.
This accessibility, combined with the group’s welcoming atmosphere, has kept newcomers joining over the years, says Ya Fen – though of course, Everdance’s highly visible sessions daily at the park help too.
The group gathers at the basketball court in Teban Neighbourhood Park every morning from 7:30am to 9am – unless it’s raining, where they head to the sheltered multipurpose hall nearby at Block 62A.
Everdance is comprised almost entirely of women, most of whom are in their silver years. Of their 60-odd members, Ya Fen says there is only one man who still attends regularly (though he was absent at the Thursday session SilverStreak visited).
Newcomer Devi V., on the other hand, was attending her first session during our visit.
Dance as both exercise and confidence builder
The women of Everdance split their daily sessions between line dancing and more energetic Zumba-style workouts to both the oldies and trendier beats like APT. by Bruno Mars and Rose and Chappell Roan’s Hot to Go!.
To up the ante, Ya Fen has also incorporated some physical training with light dumbbells and resistance bands on certain days of the week.
Indeed, Ya Fen says that this confidence to dance vigorously in public is one of Everdance’s greatest boons.
Everdance heads to the Esplanade
For most of its lifetime, Everdance has existed quietly as a neighbourhood social dancing group.
"I'm very lucky that my husband and family are supportive of this, even though they don’t like dancing. I think they can see that there’s a real benefit to the people in the neighbourhood."
Several publications caught wind of the dance troupe, and came down to interview the seniors. One thing led to another, and Everdance has now been invited to dance at the Esplanade Forecourt Garden on 22 March (this Saturday). They will hold two sessions – one 45-minute dance workout at 4:30pm, and another at 6:15pm.
This is no performance. Any members of the public looking to join in the fun are welcome to step up for free – whatever, and forever.
For Ya Fen, it’s just further evidence that the group is on the right track.
"When I started this, I didn't know it would last 10 years. But now, I want it to last for another 10 years. That's the goal I've set for myself and the group."
Dancing Aunties: The EVERDANCE Movement
Location: Esplanade Forecourt Garden
Date: 22 March, 4:30pm & 6:15pm
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.esplanade.com/whats-on/festivals-and-series/festivals/2025/a-date-with-friends/events/dancing-aunties-the-everdance-movement
