'True art' creates controversy

Middle-aged women dance publically in a public square in Beijing. Dancing in public squares or "square dancing" in China is seen as a popular way to exercise by older members of the population. [Photo/IC]

Public square dance heats-up

A group of dama, or middle-aged Chinese women, wearing battle fatigues and berets, perform square dancing in Beijing's cold winter. Consisting of nearly 300 people with an age range of 20-45, the group has won first place during the 2014 Beijing Square Dance Competition. As one of the most popular social activities in China recent years, square dance underwent fast development and has become an important folk art.

Middle-aged women perform a public "square dance" with matching costumes in Beijing. [Photo/IC]