Its Hip to be Square - the deal with Chinese Square Dancing

Shanghainese Jeff Lu gives us the local scoop on this kitschy recreation.

What is square dancing? Well, it is a style of dancing that aims for both fun and visual spectacle and its rather romantic dance steps are performed in public squares. Square dancing has a long history, dating back to ancient times. It came directly from the social lives of everyday people and, luckily for us, it has continued to develop from generation to generation. The moves and the accompanying music combine Chinese and Western traditions - mixing Yangge, a popular rural Chinese folk dance, with Rumba or Cha-Cha or Three-Step - but generally the tunes err on the side of bright, distinctively Chinese melodies. There are, broadly, three kinds of square dancing: the original kind, which is the oldest, most popular and, among the rural Han people, was performed around the Lantern Festival; a more recent innovation stemming from the New Yannge Movement in Yan’an 60 years ago; and finally, the modern and creative dances of the present. 

What is square dancing? Well, it is a style of dancing that aims for both fun and visual spectacle and its rather romantic dance steps are performed in public squares. Square dancing has a long history, dating back to ancient times. It came directly from the social lives of everyday people and, luckily for us, it has continued to develop from generation to generation. The moves and the accompanying music combine Chinese and Western traditions - mixing Yangge, a popular rural Chinese folk dance, with Rumba or Cha-Cha or Three-Step - but generally the tunes err on the side of bright, distinctively Chinese melodies. There are, broadly, three kinds of square dancing: the original kind, which is the oldest, most popular and, among the rural Han people, was performed around the Lantern Festival; a more recent innovation stemming from the New Yannge Movement in Yan’an 60 years ago; and finally, the modern and creative dances of the present.

Square dancing is very popular in China these days. You can see it on every corner and it has truly become a highlight of urban life. In the city square, on campus, in the factory, the dance continues, even after the sun goes down. Why is square dancing so hot? Square dancing can bring release to the mind as it strengthens the body: It plays an amazing role in improving general body fitness by working the cardiovascular and respiratory systems as well as a range of muscle groups; and it is a good way to get rid of daily stress too, all the while improving memory as dancers rehearse the occasionally complex moves. No wonder it is so popular these days.

Admittedly, the majority of square dancers in China are older people but that ought not to keep the young man away! In fact, square dancing should be taken up by young people as it is a great workout and promotes a healthier life.

Several years ago, we were watching TV or addicted to computer games after dinner. Now, square dancing is actually encouraging real communication between people and providing a chance to participate in the community, creating a harmonious neighborhood. This is definitely a step (elegantly placed and well-timed, of course) towards a more spiritual civilization.