Square dancing remains controversial despite government regulation

The Chinese government has decided to regulate the noisy public dancing but the controversy went on.

Unlike young people who like to sweat themselves in the gym, the Chinese elders tend to choose more economic and convenient way of exercise, hence, square dancing.

In recent years, more and more people, mainly "damas" referring to middle-aged and elder women, gather at China's public squares, parks and street corners performing choreographed routines to loud music.

While the society support elder people's efforts to stay healthy through exercise, public dancing sometimes provoke anger from nearby residents due to loud noise.

Therefore, the government publicshed a circular regulating dancing in public areas on Monday.

"Dancing in public squares, as a cultural sporting activity deeply loved by the masses... has enriched the spiritual lives of people," the statement said.

But it added: "problems such as inadequate space and... disturbances to local residents by noise and defects in management mechanisms have gradually appeared".

A report said early this year that a women tried to sell her flat in northern city Harbin just to avoid unbearable noise from the music but no one would took it even at a much lower price.

In the central Chinese city of Wuhan, a dispute between dancers and their irritated neighbours made headlines in 2013 when the residents threw coins, rocks and ultimately faeces at the group in a bid to make them stop.

When the government announced they would promote the sport in a regulated way, it was met with different reactions.

"There is nothing wrong about dancing in public as long as it doesn't disturb others," said one user of Sina Weibo, a Chinese equivalent of Twitter.

"People need this, so the government should make a good plan to regulate," another person said online.

Some, however, thought the government should ban square dance instead of promoting it.

"There is no quiet place in the park. I am strongly against promoting it," said one internet user with an ID On the Way.

"My kid can't study because there is always loud pop music outside my door from 7am to 9pm. How do you like it?" said an angry mother.

Others offered suggestions on how to solve the noise problem.

"Give the dancers earphones so that the music will not bother others," said another internet user Cat.

Actually, many dancers already gave the technology a try.

In middle city Zhengzhou, "Damas" wear bluetooth earphones while dancing, which won plaudits.

"It's good, it's creative. I applaud their idea," said a user online. Endit