Dance day hits right note for families

Hong Kong pop icon Aaron Kowk helped make para para, the Japanese synchronized dance style, a huge hit among his millions of fans.

On Sunday, the energetic dance known for its body expression was in the spotlight in Beijing, where it helped give confidence and social networking opportunities to people with mental disabilities.

A dozen people with mental health issues gathered in Yuyuantan Park to practice their para para moves with the help of several volunteers in the latest weekly get-together organized by the Beijing Huiling Community Services for People with Learning Disabilities. The institute is a community-based, non-government organization that serves people with mental disabilities and promotes their welfare.