This photo taken on July 1, 2023 shows Chinese street dancers at the Beijing Street Dance Open. (Handout via Xinhua)
China's young dancers dream of taking to the stage at the Olympics and Asian Games.
BEIJING, July 3 (Xinhua) -- "Maybe in a decade, I can dance at the Olympics or the Asian Games," said eight-year-old Long Yuhan, who took part in the Beijing Street Dance Open on Saturday.
The Street Dance Open was the first edition held in Beijing and attracted 350 dancers from across China to perform on stage, most of which were children of around ten years old.
"The event was not only a professional competition, but also a form of entertainment for the public. Dancers of both children and adult groups presented different styles that covered breaking, hip-hop, popping and locking," explained Kong Xianfei, director of the Beijing Social Sports Administration Center.
Breaking, or breakdancing, originated in the United States in the 1970s, and made its Olympic debut at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires in 2018, and will feature at both the 2024 Paris Olympics and the Hangzhou Asian Games later this year.
Chinese children perform at the Beijing Street Dance Open. (Handout via Xinhua)
"Since breaking was included in the program for the Olympics and the Asiad, more Chinese children have taken up practice street dancing as a hobby. A number of young talents were found at the Beijing Street Dance Open," said Wang Ying, director of the street dance committee at the Beijing Aerobic and Dance Sports Association.
Long has been learning street dancing for about two years, "I have five training courses each week, about six hours in total. It's not a burden for me, and it really makes me happy."
Li Mengxi, a teammate of Long's, started following street dancing videos online to improve his skills and eagerly watched the performers at the Open in Beijing.
"I am looking forward to watching breaking at the Hangzhou Asian Games and the Paris Olympics," Li added.
At the Beijing Street Dance Open, Bai Zitong was awarded Best Performer.
Bai Zitong in action at the Beijing Street Dance Open. (Handout via Xinhua)
"Every time I join in street dancing activities, I make new friends. I love dancing and will continue to practice in the future," said the nine-year-old girl.
Beijing Sport University (BSU) currently has more than 30 students who are majoring in breaking, studying related theories and polishing their dancing skills.
"BSU's breaking major was set up in 2020. These graduates will doubtless play a vital role in the development of breaking, leading more young people to realize their dream in street dancing," noted Bai Lu, a BSU breaking trainer. ■
