Read at 3 different speeds

New dance trend in China's squares - 1st September 2023

China's ever-increasing elderly population is putting pressure on the country's healthcare system. Keeping people moving and in good shape has therefore become a priority.

Public exercise has always been commonplace, with tai chi and other forms of group exercise occurring in town and city squares. The latest trend to hit the streets is 'Happy Dancing', devised by Yu Jicheng.

He's been surprised at its popularity and has adjusted the routine to cope with the level of interest.

Yu Jicheng: "When I first started to do this exercise, I had no idea that these people would follow me. I created this set of broadcast exercises unconsciously. As the old Chinese saying goes, 'An untended willow grows and provides shade'. I never expected that so many people would join me. What could I do? I had no choice but to continue."

The routine was first developed in 2008, and Yu still conducts regular daily classes in his home city of Jiamusi, near the Russian border. It's the specially designed movements and their focus on hips and shoulders that make 'Happy Dancing' unique.

Yu Jicheng: "Other broadcast exercises don't include movements that exercise the shoulders and hips, see, but ours do. The movements can aid with the recovery of conditions like frozen shoulder, arthritis, and others. Look at me, I'm 73 years old this year. Don't I look healthy? This is not something money can buy."

At 73 years old, Yu sets a perfect example for all his followers. He intends the Happy Dancers to keep moving in time to the rhythm until they reach 99, and to 'keep moving forward' after that point.

Local resident Yingzi is definitely a fan, having experienced an improvement in her own condition thanks to Yu's exercise routine.

Yingzi: "I come here every day, and I have been doing this exercise for 14 years. Since I started this exercise, my health has really improved, and I feel very young."

With new groups spreading all over China, the hope is that more and more people will benefit by congregating in public squares to dance happily.