BEIJING: An energetic and unique dance routine called “Happy Dancing” has taken China by storm, with hundreds of dancers swaying and shimmying by a riverside in northeastern China. The vibrant public square dancing culture, popular among retirees, has become a beloved routine, particularly in the fading rust-belt province of Heilongjiang.
The Happy Dancing program, founded by 73-year-old retired civil servant Yu Jicheng in 2008, has gained immense popularity due to its unconventional and dynamic moves. Participants in Jiamusi Happy Dancing engage in a series of steps focusing on the waist, abdomen, shoulders, and hips, performed while in motion, setting it apart from sedentary routines.
Despite occasional noise complaints, Chinese authorities generally view these aerobics gatherings as beneficial for maintaining public health, particularly in the face of a rapidly ageing society. China is confronting a demographic challenge as a significant portion of its population is moving into their elderly years, putting increased pressure on society and the healthcare system.
Happy Dancing Routine Improve Overall Health
Yu Jicheng believes that the Happy Dancing routine can help ease this demographic transition and improve overall health. Having lost 30 kilograms (66 pounds) since he turned 50, he is a testament to the routine’s positive effects. He remains actively involved in teaching daily public classes in Jiamusi, a city near the Russian border with around two million residents.
As China’s ageing population grows, the need for maintaining physical fitness and health becomes more crucial. The Happy Dancing routine offers a systematic and scientific approach, making use of each joint in the body, as praised by regular participant Zhang, who experienced noticeable health improvements after eight years of practicing the dance.
With the routine’s success in Jiamusi, other cities across China have also set up Happy Dancing branches, attracting participants of all ages who seek to stay healthy, happy, and active. As the country faces the challenges of an ageing population, embracing physical fitness and engaging in enjoyable activities like Happy Dancing can contribute to improved well-being and a more vibrant and active society.
