Dance Party in the Park!

I LOVE going to the park, which is basically a large concrete square with some very small walking trails on either side.  A lot goes on in this park.  Older men play cards, children roller blade and bike ride, and my favorite.... Everyone dances!  On any given weekend, you can find over ten groups of different dances.  Some are line dances that resemble step aerobics and some are the circle dances which seem to be popular in minority traditions.  

If any of you out there think that the concept of a flash mob is either western or new, you haven't seen what goes on in Chinese parks.  I am convinced that the Chinese have been flash mobbing since the Ming dynasty.   I have been scouting out the dance parties because one of my New Years goals is to join in.  You have to understand that while this seems like an easy goal, it's pretty intimidating.  My very presence in China brings about stares, cell phone pictures and the traditional point and scream "foreigner" from small children.  I can't even imagine the response when I jump into the crowd and start shaking what my momma gave me!   I guess I'll find out!

Today, I had the pleasure of watching how these epic dance parties begin.  A group of four ladies rolled up with a boom box and started dancing.  The area that they began in was virtually empty.  Within about ten minutes there were about twenty strangers dancing in a circle together and about forty so spectating.  I love the inhabition and the inclusiveness of these spontaneous events.  There were people from different minority groups, women, men and children of all ages.  One of the men was dancing in a business suit!  I feel like at home it would take a pretty strong drink to get most people to dance around with strangers and the gawking eyes of onlookers!  But that's Chna for you and one day I'll be flash mobbing with the best!!!