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

China's population is quickly growing older and older. This is creating problems for society and for healthcare facilities. It's now essential that old people stay fit as long as possible.

Exercising in public squares is normal in China, where groups practise tai chi, for example. The most recent trend is 'Happy Dancing', a keep fit routine which was designed by Yu Jicheng.

The creator is shocked at how successful it's become.

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."

Yu thought up the routine in 2008 and even now he regularly teaches classes in Jiamusi, his home city. For him, it's the special dance moves, which exercise shoulders and hips, that make Happy Dancing work.

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."

Yu, who himself is 73, provides a fantastic example to his dancers. His hope is that they won't give up until they're 99 and even at that age, he advises people to 'keep moving forward'.

In Jiamusi city, local Happy Dancer Yingzi is certain she's seen her own health improve due to the group sessions.

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."

Now that Happy Dancing groups have begun opening up all over the country, the whole population can remain healthier and happier for longer.