Senior outdoor dancers square off on nationwide TV
Print Edition
SENIOR citizen outdoor dancing groups, often called “square dance squads,” sometimes draw criticism for creating noise in the neighborhood parks where they meet. However, one group from Minhang managed to draw public accolades after becoming the only amateurs to perform on the Spring Festival Gala aired by China Central Television.
The group was comprised of 350 residents from five district communities, mostly Jianchuan Town. The dancers, all amateurs, are aged 55 to 70. They performed under the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, one of the stages of the gala.
Bai Ling, leader of the Jiangchuan Town Square Dance Squad, explained how the opportunity came about.
“Several months before, we were rehearsing for the Lantern Festival Gala, and the director of the Spring Festival Gala was there to watch,” Bai said. “He thought our dancing was very good and signed us up to perform on TV.”
With the prospect of a nationwide audience, the dance group worked to put its best foot forward. Members rehearsed for up to 10 hours a day ahead of the event.
“It was hard work. We aren’t 20 anymore,” said Bai. “It was really cold on the outdoor stage by the Huangpu River, especially after sunset. The wind never stopped. To deal with the cold, we stuck body warmers inside our costumes.”
Bai said the experience has boosted the confidence of dance team members.
“We now know that we are competitive dancers, qualified for professional performances, despite our ages,” she said.
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