Study Buddy (Explorer): China youth embrace square dancing hobby traditionally enjoyed by grandparents
- Once thought of as a pursuit of the older generation, young people longing for the elderly lifestyle are joining dances
- Each week, this page presents an interesting story that we have adjusted to be more accessible for all English learners
Square dancing has caught on among youngsters in China. Photo: SCMP composite/XiaohongshuContent provided by British Council
Read the following text, and answer questions 1-9 below:
[1] Young adults in China are embracing a hobby generally favoured by their grandparents. They have become fascinated by square dancing, known as guang chang wu in Chinese, which has long been a popular pursuit among the middle-aged and the retired as a fun exercise that benefits their health and expands their social circles.
[2] Youngsters are discovering its joys, which include diverse and often complex moves to a range of music genres such as jazz. To add to the fun, sometimes participants even don outfits from the legendary Chinese movie Journey to the West.
[3] A 22-year-old man, nicknamed Xiaobai, from Changchun, Jilin province in northeastern China, has become so obsessed with square dancing that he has a social media account with videos of him on the dance floor. The account has attracted more than 20,000 followers, and some fans have been known to drive for over an hour just to dance with him.
[4] His interest in the practice was piqued by the Chinese song Little Apple by music groups Phoenix Legend and Chopstick Brothers, common at square dancing, and enhanced by the scene of a gathering of uncles and aunties dancing at the local Spring Festival Gala in 2015.
[5] When Xiaobai first joined a square dancing team, he said he was initially shy and hesitant but mastered the techniques within two months, and his nervousness was replaced by excitement and confidence.
[6] He says the older people in his classes are very fond of him and give him drinks to boost his energy. “They treat me like their own child. They cheer: ‘Our son is here!’ Every time I step onto that familiar square, it feels like coming home,” he said.
[7] According to Xu Wensheng, founder of the National First Media Sociology Professional Committee, there is a “joining the old” phenomenon that reflects a longing in young people for the lifestyle of the elderly and a desire for a better quality of life.
[8] “After retirement, the elderly can enjoy free access to major parks and free public transport. Their pension income is stable, and they have flexible time. These factors make the elderly seem like ‘winners in life’ in the eyes of young people,” said Xu. “In this context, square dancing has become a way for them to relax.”
[9] The idea of young people taking up a pastime traditionally associated with the older generation has resonated with many on mainland social media. Some believe it is a “fashionable way for self-expression”. “They are practising for retirement. But to be honest, square dancing is really enjoyable. It also promotes sound sleep and the whole body feels comfortable,” said one online observer.
[10] “So, can’t those uncles and aunties bring their handsome and adorable children out to dance together? This way, I won’t just go home and lie down in my room after work,” joked another.
Source: South China Morning Post, 30 October
Questions
1. In paragraph 1, the elderly in China enjoy square dancing because …
A. it helps them stay healthy.
B. it is an enjoyable activity.
C. it allows them to make new friends.
D. all of the above
2. Find a word in paragraph 2 that means “including many different parts”.
3. What does Xiaobai’s social media account show him doing according to paragraph 3?
4. What does “practice” in paragraph 4 refer to?
5. How long did Xiaobai take to become good at square dancing according to paragraph 5?
6. In paragraph 6, the older people in Xiaobai’s classes are … him learning the dances.
A. concerned about
B. wary of
C. encouraging of
D. indifferent to
7. Decide whether the following statements are True, False or the information is Not Given in paragraphs 7 and 8. (4 marks)
(i) Young people are drawn to the way of life that their grandparents enjoy.
(ii) Chinese citizens over the age of 60 can use public transport for free. TFNG
(iii) Retired people in China do not get money from the government. TFNG
(iv) Older people in China prefer square dancing to playing chess as a form of leisure. TFNG
8. What is one possible health benefit of square dancing mentioned in paragraph 9?
9. The social media user in paragraph 9 is most likely to … square dancing lessons.
A. sign up for
B. steer clear of
C. abstain from
D. skip out on
Answers
1. D
2. diverse
3. It shows him square dancing.
4. square dancing
5. two months
6. C
7. (i) T; (ii) NG; (iii) F; (iv) NG
8. It promotes sound sleep.
9. A