Rod L'Huillier, a foreigner who has lived in China for six years, said:
"I love square dancing, and I think the whole world should learn it. It solves a lot of problems that you will face as you get older, such as lack of socialization, lack of exercise and recreational activities. Awesome!
During my time in China, I really enjoyed watching the square dances and even joined them at times, even though my antics would draw a laugh from everyone.
I often went for a run on a nearby hill, and it was hard to believe that every morning I saw a group of old people dancing like grandmothers having a party.Nearly 100 people, ranging in age from 50 to 80, gathered together. They learn the leader's moves and swing their bodies to the rhythm of the music, just like a DJ at a bar.
Later, I realized that many older people took square dancing very seriously, and they would wear uniforms and sometimes even participate in square dance competitions. The competition is still fierce. Now the government will even set up a unified standard for square dance moves.
In Western culture and society, the elderly lack such activities. This is something we should learn from our Chinese friends about how to make their old age enjoyable and healthy.
At the same time, we in the West should also learn how to fulfill our filial piety. Many Western families are used to placing their elderly in nursing homes because they are so busy with work. The children are even too busy to visit their parents and take them out for a walk.
It's a little sad that this beautiful, elegant element of Chinese culture is taking a lot of hits in the modern world. Many young people in China complain that square dancing creates noise and disturbs the peace. But to be fair, sometimes grandmothers turn down the volume. Perhaps young people should join in?
The last moments in this world should be memorable, enjoyable and beautiful. We should encourage this square dance movement and help them spread across the globe. How we treat the elderly and what kind of environment we create for them to live in requires the same action from us humans ****."
Michael C. Hilliard, an American who lives and works in China, said:
"In my experience, there are usually three kinds of square dancers in China:
1. a group that I like to call "Chinese Zumba ": usually female "aunties" in their 30s-50s, some with an occasional child. They set up a speaker, hook it up to someone's iPhone, and do some basic dance moves to popular songs. This kind of group dancing can take place as long as there's an open space large enough on the sidewalk.
2. Ballroom-style dancing. This is usually in the center of a park, perhaps near a fountain or statue. This type of square dance plays more traditional music, sometimes with a live band, and there will be pairs waltzing around.
3. Sometimes it's rare to see college students or kids dancing modern dances on the street or in the square, whether it's a traditional dance or a folk dance. In my experience, it's usually street dance, but I've only seen it a couple times.
A few of the above are fine with me. People dance for fun, exercise, romance and art, and these kinds of activities should be promoted more, both in China and elsewhere in the world."
A foreigner studying in China, whose Chinese name is "Li Xiaoso," said:
"As a foreigner living here, I think it's really great. I've seen professional dance performances and I've heard operas, but I still think it's a very passionate expression of Chinese culture, showing how active and lively older people in China are, especially compared to the young people who are addicted to their cell phones.
It's fun to see people get together and dance, watching and learning from the sidelines. I hope this aspect of Chinese culture doesn't disappear. I have seen this pleasant sight in many cities and it lights up the city at night."