Sports body issues new regulation on square dancing

BEIJING: China’s sports governing body issued a new regulation to manage public spaces for square dancing, with the aim of improving the image of the popular exercise.

With debates over square dancers in public areas often making headlines, the General Administration of Sport of China released a regulation addressing the issue of land management for the dancing, which has drawn massive participation among the country’s elderly.

It is estimated that more than 120 million Chinese people are regular participants in square dancing.

Adding to the administration’s first guideline issued in 2015, the new measure urges regional government agencies to better plan and supervise the use of public exercise venues – parks and open spaces in urban areas – for dancing and other forms of exercise, along with other leisure activities.

“Despite its positive influence, square dancing, with its widespread participation, has exposed problems in urban management and the lack of facilities,” the administration said in a statement on its website on Monday.

“Some conflicts between dancers and the surrounding public have underlined the importance of further strengthening management.”

Scenes of square dancing, known for its low stress and social bonding, have spread across the country, with elderly people moving in unison, often to loud music. — China Daily / Asia News Network