Square dancing gains popularity in Pingnan

( chinadaily.com.cn )

Updated: 2014-02-24

A woman with the surname Zhang warmed up before square dancing in Pingnan’s Street Square on the evening of Feb 8.

Every evening, Zhang and her friends gather in the square and dance to music. They meet whatever the weather – during the hot summer or cold winter – only taking a break when it rains.

Square dancing refers not to the location but to the fact that four couples form a square – one couple on each side of their square – and dance together.

The 68-year-old square dance amateur said that when she was young there was no such public place – no suitable conditions – and she wishes to “make full use of the environment.”

Square dancing is suitable for all ages and is easy to learn. Zhang’s friends include farmers, cadres, teachers, students, migrant workers and female executives – the oldest nearly 80 years old and the youngest not yet 6.

People in Pingnan see this style of dancing as a healthy and fashionable type of exercise, which also improves their sense of wellbeing.

And the local authorities have promoted this type of activity – and also built squares and gardens in towns and villages to provide facilities for the dance amateurs.

Edited by Wang Yifei and Niva Whyman