Street dance sheds 'bad boy' image to rise in popularity

Fan Xiaoyu's parents used to worry that their son was turning into a "bad boy". As a teenager obsessed with street dance, Fan spent a lot of time dancing in baggy, flashy outfits instead of studying hard at school as his parents expected.

Now, the 34-year-old runs G-Steps Dance Studio, one of the largest dance instruction companies in the country, which has more than 30 branches in Beijing and has trained over 150,000 people.

"I never imagined my passion for dance would be shared by so many people," Fan said. "Nowadays, not only is it accepted in the mainstream, but it is becoming truly recognized and popular among the general public."

In China's bustling urban landscapes, a vibrant street dance culture is emerging, particularly among young professionals seeking an escape from their demanding work lives.

For many young workers, the day begins with the grind of a typical office environment — emails to answer, reports to generate, and endless meetings to attend. These professionals often spend long hours in front of screens.