Chinese square dancing originated in the 1990s. Its precursor was a popular fitness form that integrated radio calisthenics and folk dances after China's reform and opening up. The emergence of this cultural phenomenon is closely related to the process of urbanization. With the expansion of urban public spaces and the arrival of an aging society, the demand of the middle-aged and elderly population for collective activities gave birth to the embryonic form of square dancing. After the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the promotion of the national fitness policy accelerated its popularization. The governmentincorporated it into the public cultural service system through the construction of community cultural centers and the
organization of competitions (such as the square dancing event in the National Games). By 2012, the popularity of some music with a strong sense of rhythm, such as the hit song "The Most Dazzling Ethnic Style," completely ignited the enthusiasm of the whole nation for square dancing. Square dancing moved from the streets and alleys to the international stage, forming a unique "square culture ecosystem."
During its development process, there has been a positive interaction between the government and the private sector. In 2017, the General Administration of Sport of China issued the "Notice on Further Standardizing Square Dancing Fitness Activities," which clearly supported its development while addressing the issue of noise. In 2024, Zhongwei City, Ningxia, went even further by incorporating square dancing into the grassroots governance system. Through the training of professional instructors and the standardization of venues, it promoted the upgrading of this folk activity towards standardization and artistry.
In recent years, the overseas spread of square dancing began with the cultural output of Chinese communities. In 2014, the flash mob performance of the New York Chinese Song and Dance Troupe in Times Square, with a hundred people dancing to the background music of "The Most Dazzling Ethnic Style," attracted the attention of global media and became a landmark event for square dancing to go global.
Since then, this cultural phenomenon has spread through three channels. First, through the daily activities of Chinese immigrants. For example, the Chinese Association in Auckland, New Zealand, organized square dancing for a hundred people, attracting local residents to participate. Second, through cultural exchange programs. For instance, during the London Art Night, Chinese artist Xu Zhen's "Shape of Consciousness" square dancing performance was invited and incorporated into the category of contemporary art. Third, through social media. Foreigners in places like Austria and Australia spontaneously imitated square dancing videos and even used Chinese songs as background music.
This spread has broken the traditional boundaries of fitness cultures between the East and the West. Western fitness culture emphasizes individualism and scientific training (such as gym workouts using equipment and marathons), while Chinese square dancing is characterized by collectivism, low thresholds (with simple and easy-to-learn movements), and strong social interaction. Its concept of "dancing is socializing" complements Western community culture. For example, the Chinese square dancing team in Flushing Park, New York, not only attracts Chinese participants but also has Latin American and African American residents joining,forming a cross-cultural fitness community.
The international community's recognition of square dancing shows diverse characteristics. At the policy level, the Auckland City Council in New Zealand provides free venues for Chinese square dancing and includes it in the community sports plan. Some cities in the United States have regulated noise through legislation and at the same time established "square dancing friendly areas."
In the cultural field, it is regarded as an embodiment of China's soft power. UNESCO once commented that square dancing is "a modern interpretation of Eastern collective aesthetics," and the French newspaper *Europe Times* believes that it "conveys Chinese life philosophy in the most down-to-earth way." The business world has also spotted the business opportunities. The Hollywood movie *Kung Fu Panda 4* plans to incorporate square dancing elements into its action design, and international sports brands have launched co-branded clothing for square dancing.
Despite the controversies such as noise disturbing the residents, the cross-cultural influence of square dancing continues to expand. In 2024, the "China-Europe Square Dancing Cultural Festival" was held at the Vienna City Hall Square in Austria, where local residents and Chinese immigrants danced to the song "Little Apple" together, breaking down cultural barriers through dance. This phenomenon confirms the view of He Wenyi, a scholar from Peking University: "Square dancing is not only a form of fitness but also a flexible expression of Chinese culture in the era of globalization."
