Music
Much has been made about how strange this video is of an elderly choir singing a Chinese cover of Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” (from within a stage set that looks like a massive dollhouse, no less).
If you haven’t seen this video making the rounds, take a look.
Many blogs are posting the video with headlines like “bizarre”.
But did you know that disco dancing became a popular form of exercise for elderly people? I did. By accident.
A few months ago, I stumbled across a passage in a book that described how senior citizens in China took up disco dancing for exercise, as a form of aerobics, in the 1980s. It’s kinda like Qi Gong exercises set to a funky beat.
Here’s a news report that provides coverage of the social phenomenon. (Which in turn provides some context as to why the elderly choir is singing Lady Gaga.)
You can follow Craig Takeuchi on Twitter at twitter.com/cinecraig.
Nov 14, 2011 at 10:53pm
Can you tell which one is actually Lady Gaga? It took me a double take, but I think it's the suspenders that really pull that outfit together.
Nov 15, 2011 at 5:50am
This is great! This reminds me of the time, I was coming from Victoria and a group of Chinese tourists literally burst into song on the outer deck. It was just joy and exuberance.
Nov 15, 2011 at 9:41am
Absolutely charming.
I wish I could join them.
It also shows the reach and appeal of GAGA.
Cup size alone can't compete, Katy Perry!
Nov 15, 2011 at 9:56am
Here's a <a href="http://laolaiqiaogaga.blogspot.com/2011/11/translation-of-lyrics.html">link to a blog</a> with a translation of the Chinese lyrics. It provides additional cultural insight to the performance.
If you made the choice to do the crime against me, you don’t get to tell me how I have to react…
We have known each other a long time. …
