Chinese Da ma perform square dancing, file photo. [Photo by Zou Hong/China Daily]

Old lady flash mob at airport

Several guang chang wu da ma, or "public square dancing older ladies", broke into a dance while waiting for a delayed flight at a Shenzhen airport terminal in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, Southern Metropolis Daily reported on Friday.

A ground service staff member surnamed Huang captured the moment at the airport when more than ten passengers, including older ladies and several young men broke out in dance to pass the time.

According to Huang, several of the passengers were on a tour group flying to Bangkok when their flight was delayed.

"The passengers, through dancing, may alleviate their mood in the event of delays in passenger transport flights," said Huang.

Day and night across China, groups of middle-aged retirees, mostly women, gather together to dance in open spaces such as parks and public squares. Their passion for dancing has made them a national phenomenon but they are also a source of controversy, with complaints that their music is too loud, they occupy too much public space.

Up next, a humble security guard helps under privileged students.