I accidentally joined a Chinese square dancing group. I'm now a regular.

Kurokun

This is the most unexpected thing that's happened to me in China.

I was walking through a park near my apartment in Shanghai at 7 PM. I saw a group of about 40 women (and a few men) doing synchronized dancing to loud Chinese pop music.

It looked fun. I stopped to watch.

A woman in her 60s grabbed my arm and pulled me into the group.

"Come! Dance!"

I don't speak Chinese. She didn't speak English. But she had a grip like a wrestler.

The next 30 minutes:

I flailed my arms. I kicked my legs in approximately the right direction. I stepped on one woman's foot (she laughed). I got the rhythm wrong for the entire song.

But I was smiling. And they were smiling.

When the song ended, the group applauded me.

The woman who pulled me in (her name is Auntie Liu, I learned later) added me to their WeChat group.

What "square dancing" (广场舞, guǎngchǎngwǔ) actually is:

It's China's unofficial national sport. Millions of people — mostly retired women — gather in public squares, parks, and parking lots every evening to dance.

It's:
• Free
• Open to anyone
• Happens at 7–9 PM, every day, rain or shine
• Loud (portable speakers, usually playing Chinese pop or folk music)
• Surprisingly athletic

The moves:
A mix of tai chi, line dancing, and aerobics. Simple enough that beginners can follow. Complex enough that regulars look graceful.

The community:
These groups are tight-knit. They organize trips together. They celebrate birthdays. They gossip. They know everyone's business.

I've been going for 3 months now.

I know about 15 dance routines. I can follow most songs. I still can't do the fan dance (too much wrist action).

Auntie Liu brings me fruit every time. Another woman, Auntie Wang, tried to set me up with her granddaughter.

I don't understand 90% of what they say. But I understand the laughs, the encouragement, and the "you're getting better!" thumbs-ups.

Why this matters:

If you're an expat in China and you feel isolated, go to a park at 7 PM. Find a dancing group. Stand at the edge. Someone will pull you in.

You don't need language. You need willingness to look silly.

Auntie Liu, via Google Translate: "You dance badly. But you try. That's what matters."

I think that's the nicest thing anyone's said to me in China.

Anyone else accidentally joined a Chinese community activity? What happened?