Street dancing

Dancing, exercising and socializing in the streets, squares and parks, surrounded by modern high-rise buildings and shopping malls, is something it can be seen in Chinese cities daily. Every day in the early mornings and evenings, except when it rains, music can be heard from portable speakers in many parts of the districts – throughout the whole city. People gather in groups doing: tai-chi, pair dancing, traditional dancing, etc… These are just a few of them, performed with a variety of traditional Chinese music, from slower to more rhythmical sound beats.

The most widely attended by people and the most popular one is: synchronous all body exercising and stretching. Everyone who has ever been to China has surly noticed and seen one of these types of entertainment and recreation in the streets. It is all very well organized. A square in the neighborhood is reserved only for one club. A group of people is formed, all wearing the same, recognizable sport clothing, led by leaders and coaches. People are lined up in columns, following the leader and the music with periodically audio inputs of a voice saying, what exercise follows next. This way it all looks synchronised and in well order. Leaders are changing every day. Participation is that high, numerous columns of people can spread across entire square. Participants are mostly elderly, over 70-75 years of age. Like with any others street activities in China, everyone is welcome to join them, regardless of age – it is totally free, only good will, courage and time are necessary.

In the last half a year, however, I have noticed one new dance style getting popularized in the streets of Shanghai, that I find very interesting about (see VIDEO under). A type of dance that is, in my opinion, a combination of simple steps taken from dubstep and hip-hop. At first glance, it seems as people are hovering, moving forward, despite being mostly in the same place. The music is electronic, more percussive, bouncy and modern, and in truth, I wouldn’t expect such a genre to ever reach the more traditional and conservative streets of China. Times are changing. Moreover, which I find particularly fascinating, the participants are not (only) young, but on the contrary, they are mostly elder, above 60 years of age. Seeing a lady over 65, doing hip-hop stepping in the fast rhythms of electronic music, is really something special and quite unique, I think. But, what impresses me the most is watching people, particularly elder ones, learning new challenging steps on the side, observing and copying a coach, with one goal: to join a group that has already mastered the dance. Moments like this serve to me as a constant reminder and encouragement: “it is never too late to do something, what makes you happy.”

For now I really like just to watch them dancing. I hope one day I will find enough courage to join them and try it for myself as well.