The Coronavirus Can't Stop These Chinese Lindy Hoppers!
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Zeng Weiming, Frankie Manning Ambassador and dance organizer in Beijing, China, shared on February 7 a very special dance video entitled “Cheer Up 2020 by Dancing Together.” The video is a message of encouragement specifically to all those in China and beyond who are affected by the new coronavirus.
For those that haven’t been following closely, in early January a new disease called the coronavirus had been identified in China, traced to the Wuhan province. Spreading rapidly, more than 34,000 people have been infected with the virus, the majority in China, but also in 24 other countries. Of those, about 800 people have died from the virus.
In response to the virus, China is drastically curtailing people’s ability to leave affected areas and urging everyone to wear masks in public. Sounds pretty scary, frankly.
Meanwhile, lindy hop has been blossoming all over China, with 22 cities hosting active lindy hop communities, according to this website, created by local organizer Orchid. So despite the sad situation, lindy hoppers still want dance… even need to dance.
So Zeng, along with video editor Master Lu, put together this adorable dance compilation of Chinese lindy hoppers just dancing their hearts out from wherever they are. Check it out here.
I mean, that’s just adorable. Here’s how Zeng describes the video:
“The daily life of every Chinese has been largely affected by the coronavirus situation. The virus might have emptied the streets and got us stayed at home, but the dancers’ spirits are always high. We wish the storm will pass soon and we can embrace the normal life again! Here is a special video to all the dancers in China, stay strong Wuhan，加油 China!”
I have to say that regardless of the sad reason for this video, it’s so charming seeing dancers across China just rocking out in their homes in their jammies and slippers.
Also don’t miss the adorable puppers at the beginning of the video and at 2:22.
I love that there are mini-routines peppered throughout the video, that people must have choreographed online and then spliced together. Not to mention some virtual swingouts!
Our hearts to out to the people of China, and particularly in Wuhan, at this time. Hopefully a vaccine for the virus can be found soon. Meanwhile, stay strong, be careful, and keep dancing!
