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China to Mandate Booty-Shaking

Daily dancing requirement targets childhood obesity

By Sam Gale Rosen, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 5, 2007 1:44 PM CDT

(Newser) – The childhood obesity epidemic has found its way to China—and will stop there, if the government's new dance requirement has the desired effect. Starting in September, mandatory classes will get millions of schoolchildren off their butts and onto the dance floor. Experts are developing routines for the curriculum, which will gain new moves every two years.

The new measure, which does not replace PE, is provoking mixed reactions, the Guardian reports. Supporters are concerned that one in five Chinese children is obese, and they welcome the opportunity for students to learn social graces. Others worry about things getting too social: "Letting students waltz will create hotbeds of adolescent love," says one Beijing teacher.

Children Celebrate International Children's Day In Beijing (Getty Images)

June 5, 2007. (AP Photo/Xinhua, Xie Huanchi, File) (Associated Press)

Chinese children take part in a dragon dance to mark International Children's Day in Beijing, China, Friday, June 1, 2007. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) (Associated Press)

Folk dancers perform the traditional Chinese dragon dance during the opening ceremony of the Henan Peony Festival in Luoyang, China's central Henan Province, Tuesday, April 10, 2007. The dancers will... (Associated Press)

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China to Mandate Booty-Shaking

Daily dancing requirement targets childhood obesity

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Parents Blind to Their Fat Kids

Only 13% recognize when their child is obese

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Congress wants data on childhood obesity

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Three-quarters of new moms breast feed, but only 11% long enough

China Worries About Obesity (and Young Love)

Officials announce new rules for school dance classes

Preschool Kids Get Socked In the Mouth

Cavities are on the rise for the first time in 40 years

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China to Mandate Booty-Shaking

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

China • obesity • health • childhood obesity • children • dance

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Parents Blind to Their Fat Kids

Only 13% recognize when their child is obese

FTC Subpoenas Food Giants on Marketing to Kids

Congress wants data on childhood obesity

Babies Off Breast Milk Too Soon

Three-quarters of new moms breast feed, but only 11% long enough

China Worries About Obesity (and Young Love)

Officials announce new rules for school dance classes

Preschool Kids Get Socked In the Mouth

Cavities are on the rise for the first time in 40 years

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?