Wei Hong, a belly-dance teacher at Sun's studio since 2011, says she had to teach herself when she started in 2000 because there were no establishments offering training.

"I saw my body change," the 48-year-old says.

"I felt not only slimmer but also healthier and more confident. It was considered too sexy by many dance students then."

She learned from DVDs and books.

Sun points out many Western dances feature fast music and unconventional movements that distinguish them from the slow and conservative Chinese folk dances.

He says different personalities study different styles.

"Freer spirits choose belly dancing, Latin and jazz. Chinese folk dances are better for shy students."

Competition is fierce, Li says.

That ups the standards for instruction, cosmetics and onstage opportunities.

Li will lead 18 children to compete in a contest in Taiwan in late August.

"Some people dance to dance, others for exercise," Li says.

"But all who dance regularly form an emotional attachment to it."