Strictly square dancing

A new regulation from the General Administration of Sport of China and the Ministry of Culture has again put square dancing in the headlines.

To regulate and promote square dancing, the government has mapped out rules stating where seniors can dance and how loud their music can be. Twelve officially choreographed square dance steps have also been released, which are accompanied by popular songs, such as Little Apple, China is Beautiful and The Most Dazzling Folk Style.

"I think those rules are for beginners. People who have years of square dancing experience, like me, don't need those instructions. We are capable of designing our own dances," says Li.

She says her team has taken the suggestion of turning down the volume and dancing at proper sites. "We are not a threat at all," she says.

According to Du Peng, chief of the Institute of Gerontology at Renmin University of China, the popularity of square dancing reflects a psychological change among China's rapidly aging society.

"Elderly people in China are much more educated nowadays. They feel free to explore more ways to entertain themselves," Du says.

Li's next goal is to learn to break-dance, which she will incorporate into her new square dance routines. On March 26, the China Dancers Association released the first official teaching textbook of China Street Dance Art and Education Level Test, covering six dance styles, including breaking, popping and hip-hop.

"I cannot wait to dance with my team in loose pants and big T-shirts," says Li. "With square dancing, we have our own stage."

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