Editor's note: In recent years we’ve seen a rise in dancing in public spaces, especially popular with the elderly in China, since it gives them a good place to relax and maybe make some new friends to enrich their lives. Some people, however, have mixed views about it, and argue that it disrupts normal life. So, how do you react to people out dancing in public? We invite you to share your thoughts.
AndrewPKU (US)
It's absolutely wonderful. One evening last summer, I cut through Tuanjiehu Park and there were literally thousands of people scattered throughout the park in large groups, small groups, with every possible pairing. I saw Chinese dances, Latin dances, 1950s style sock hop, country line dancing, the fox trot, everything. In some places, people had passed out song sheets and folks got together, analyzing the music and having a sing-along. Elsewhere, someone was doing some calligraphy, someone was reading poems, there was even an English corner. I stopped to watch just for awhile, but I wish I’d really sat down to appreciate the people. The history of Asia really lives in its own human stories and I envy them for their longevity, their commitment to a partner, and their tenacity. After I leave China, years later, this will still be one of my fondest memories.
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The original piece: http://bbs.chinadaily.com.cn/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=1044438