Solution to ‘nuisance’ of China’s dancing grannies: make them wear earphones
Dancers to wear devices in a trial scheme in Shanghai amid regular complaints about noise
The authorities in Shanghai have come up with a novel solution to complaints about the noise and nuisance created by often elderly women dancing in public places – make them wear earphones to listen to their music.
A trial scheme is underway at a public square in the Changning district of the city, according to the news website Thepaper.cn.
Dancers have also signed an agreement with the local authorities not to perform between 9pm and 7am the next day, the report said.
The idea was put forward by a delegate to the city’s congress who said there had to be a way of allowing the dancers to exercise without disturbing others.
The problem was compounded because the city’s population was ageing and there were not enough public places to relax and exercise, she was quoted as saying.
Media in China frequently report on disputes caused by “dancing grannies” and elderly and middle aged couples can often been seen gliding around public parks and squares.
Police had to be called to Shanghai Zoo in February after a group of senior citizens refused to turn down their music while dancing next to animal cages early in the morning.
Zoo staff said the noise was disturbing the beasts and could harm their reproductive cycle.
