“Exam-oriented education still runs riot across the country, but education for an all-round development has been accepted by more visionary individuals. Because this type of education provides a free environment for the children to develop their capability to the full,” a director in a local dance class told us. Some of the students are here because they really like to dance, while some are forced to attend by their parents.

“Also, some students take the class as a shortcut for higher scores,” Mr.Duan said. If a student has learnt taekwondo and won prizes in major competitions, he is able to get extra scores as a payoff in entrance examinations for high schools and colleges.

By Xu Xinlei