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Zoey Zhang

A troupe of left-behind rural women in central China has gained online fame through group live streams orchestrated by local Gen Z managers.
In Junying village in Henan province, more than 20 women with an average age of 60 wear sunglasses and gloves, colourful jackets and dance with props in a disused courtyard.
But this is no ordinary square dancing.

In group live-streams, the aunties take on the viral dance routines favoured by younger internet users, while viewers send virtual gifts and vote on the song choice or who takes centre stage.
Off camera, their young managers keep up a rapid-fire commentary, thanking fans by username and driving the energy of the room.
At peak times, a single session can draw over 10,000 concurrent viewers.
For the aunties, however, the performances mean more than online attention.
With their husbands and children long gone to work elsewhere, many have been left to tend the land, raise livestock and care for ageing relatives alone.

In China, they are part of a vast and often overlooked group known as the “left-behind” elderly, a cohort that continues to grow as the country ages.
People aged 60 and above now number about 323 million, comprising 23 per cent of the country’s population.
For many who remain in the countryside, life is shaped by loneliness, financial strain and fraying family ties.
In Junying village, however, group live-streaming has given these left-behind aunties companionship and a renewed sense of worth.
They usually go live for one hour after lunch, then return in the evening for another session that runs until 10.30pm.

Core members have mastered more than 100 dance routines.
They also tailor performances to fans’ requests, serving tea with the line, “Princess, please have some tea,” or tossing rose petals while calling out, “Prince, wishing you prosperity in business.”
Jiao Jianyu, 55, is one of the group’s stand-out dancers.
With her husband working away from home, she once spent her days caring for her father-in-law and her intellectually disabled son.
She told Hongxing News that the live streams have transformed her life.
“I had never travelled far from home before. Now so many people can watch me dance online, and I feel very happy. It feels like I am finally living for myself for once,” said Jiao.
Another auntie, Chang Baoying, said the experience had also lifted her out of the monotony of rural life.
“Since I started dancing on live-streams, I have become much more cheerful and confident,” she said.
The idea for the senior girl group came from three villagers born after 2000.

They now help run the troupe, teach the dances, share the live-stream proceeds with the aunties and even hand out eggs to villagers who come to support them.
Local media reported that the aunties are paid about 2,000 yuan (US$290) in total each day, averaging roughly 100 yuan (US$15) per person.
The group has attracted over 120,000 followers on a major social media platform thanks to their down-to-earth charm and remarkable dancing skills.
One netizen said: “I hope more groups like this emerge across China. For older people, live-streaming can bring income, exercise and social connection.”


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China ‘left-behind aunties’, known as senior girl group, gain popularity for charm, dance skills

A group of “left-behind aunties” in a village in China has gained popularity for their live-streaming performances; audiences are drawn to their charm and impressive dance skills. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin

Pink confetti-like pieces fill the air as the aunties perform. Photo: mp.weixin.qq.com

A close-up photograph of one of the aunties applying make-up before going live. Photo: mp.weixin.qq.com

Hands up for happiness: The women say the dancing live-streams bring them confidence. Photo: mp.weixin.qq.com

The dancing aunties, above, have mastered more than 100 routines. Photo: mp.weixin.qq.com

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People & Culture

Gender & Diversity

Lonely, disconnected elderly women find social links, confidence and an army of online fans with their joyous online routines


Lonely, disconnected elderly women find social links, confidence and an army of online fans with their joyous online routines.


Social media

China's ageing population

China ‘left-behind aunties’, known as senior girl group, gain popularity for charm, dance skills

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Lonely, disconnected elderly women find social links, confidence and an army of online fans with their joyous online routines

Lonely, disconnected elderly women find social links, confidence and an army of online fans with their joyous online routines