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China recently issued new guidelines regarding public square dancing activities, ming to manage complnts from residents about noise and disputes over space usage. The Chinese government's General Administration of Sport and the Ministry of Culture have commissioned a panel of experts to develop twelve choreographed dances that will be introduced across 31 provinces and municipalities in the coming five months.
These planned state-approved routines are part of an effort by Beijing authorities to balance the growing enthusiasm for square dancing with concerns from local communities about disturbances like loud music and late-night gatherings. are also meant to address issues seen in Wuhan, where tensions escalated between dancers and their neighbors until disputes turned physical; coins, stones, and even feces were reportedly thrown at the elderly participants.
The new regulations encompass decisions on aspects such as volume limits for sound systems, specific times allowed for dancing, and designated venues. Authorities are yet to finalize these detls. Square dancing has become a contentious issue in China, with many stories capturing the attention of state media outlets.
Typically featuring groups of enthusiastic older women dressed identically in coordinated outfits or carrying props like fans, dancers gather around dusk to perform synchronized routines set to music from portable speakers or live bands. The General Administration of Sport and Ministry of Culture hope that these national standards will steer square dancing towards a more socially responsible direction by addressing the concerns rsed agnst previous practices.
We recognize that while square dancing embodies collective Chinese culture, its fervor has sometimes resulted in negative impacts on public peace, sd Liu Guoyong, chief of the sport administration. We m to guide it with guidelines ensuring that these dances can be performed considering the welfare of others.
The recent introduction of regulations comes after incidents like a group of middle-aged women performing a square dance routine outside the Louvre Museum in Paris sparked criticism about its potential overreach, and a viral video showing dancers attempting to perform on a crowded passenger trn triggered further debate.
We believe that negative feedback towards square dancing often reflects irresponsible practices without regard for public benefits, sd Wang Guangcheng, a fitness trner and expert on square dances. The unified choreographies we propose will help mntn the activity within socially acceptable boundaries.
These moves by Beijing authorities reflect China's proactive approach to managing social activities and cultural expressions as it continues to navigate the balance between fostering community spirit and addressing concerns about public nuisance and disturbance.
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