The part-time pros

Song Yuanyuan (center) performs Chinese classic dance. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Even if Wu is content to be the passionate amateur, now and again she gets just a whiff of what it may feel like to be in the higher echelons.

"My teacher also choreographs short dance pieces for each of the members, which make us feel unique and like professionals."

In addition, at the end of the year the dance studio holds an annual gala that enables members to dance onstage at professional theaters.

"From makeup, costumes to music, everything is professional. It feels as though a dream has true for me," Wu says.

She encourages her employees to take art courses, which she sees not just as a way to pass time but also as something that adds immensely to the enjoyment of life.