Step in right direction? Square dancers get backing from Chinese government, with local authorities ordered to provide more venues, free instruction
More venues and free instruction are on the cards following edict to local governments
Square dancing, the exercise craze popular with middle-aged women urbanites but less so with those sensitive to loud music, is to get more support from local authorities after an edict from the central government.
New cultural and sporting venues being built by local authorities should include facilities for the activity, according to a circular issued on Sunday, which also advised authorities to provide free dance classes and teaching materials.
The activity, which usually involves groups of dozens or even hundreds of mainly middle-aged women exercising in public squares and parks, has proved controversial, with conflicts arising between dancers and residents who complain of ear-splitting music.
"Square dancing is a cultural and sporting activity greatly favoured by the mass society," said the circular.
"It plays a positive role in enriching people's spiritual life and encourages everybody to take part in sport and [helps to make them happy]," added the circular, which was issued by the central government's cultural, sporting, civil affairs and housing authorities.
It continued: "Problems have become prominent because there are not enough dancing places, loud music annoys local residents and the management rules are unsound.
"These problems affect negatively the development of this activity."