Chinese Farm Couple Fights Depression with Rural-Style Shuffle Dance and it’s the Most Viral Video Online

A Chinese farm couple is dancing away the blues literally. The couple’s shuffle dance has taken the world by storm and the most amazing thing about it is that they do it to fight depression.  Numerous individuals have been looking for ways to combat depression but Peng Xiaoying, 45, and her 49-year-old husband, Fan Deduo who live in China’s Zhejiang province has discovered one highly effective method: dancing!

The couple both live on a farm in Wenzhou’s Mayu township and their livelihood is derived from the cultivation of corn on a half-hectare field.

As with any other couple, this one has encountered their share of difficulties and tragedies throughout life.

Fan was eventually diagnosed with severe chronic depression 18 years ago after surviving a severe traffic accident in Yunnan province. Irritability, nervousness, and difficulty sleeping at night were just a few of his symptoms.

The couple previously operated a shoe-selling business in Yunnan, but due to Fan’s condition, they decided to close the business and relocate to Rui’an, their hometown.

Peng decided to do something about her depression about four years ago and discovered that dancing was a good way to cope. The woman had always enjoyed dancing in public squares and decided to invite her husband along.

Fan’s first attempt at dancing was also the moment he rediscovered life following the accident.

The Chinese farm couple became enthusiastic square dancers and even invented the shuffle. It is a square dance in which daily activities such as pumping elbows, walking in the field, and combing the hair are incorporated.

It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime discovery.

Fan had no idea how much dance could improve his life until he gave it a try. He recognized how extraordinary it was and discovered a new way to enjoy his daily life on the farm with his wife, Peng.

In an interview with the South China Morning Post, Peng discussed how much dancing has changed their lives.

“Whenever we’re down, the shuffle dance always helps us feel better and lifts our spirits. It’s been such a blessing in our lives,” Peng explained. “I believe that the primary reason we are so happy when we dance is because we are exercising with the shuffle on the ridges. It’s quite thrilling.”

Peng and Fan had discovered an effective method of combating depression, and the best part was that they were able to share their discovery with the rest of the world.

During the pandemic, the Chinese farm couple uploaded their videos to Douyin, more commonly referred to as TikTok. Both of them have inspired a large number of viewers with their genuine joy for dancing.

On the video-sharing platform, their unique moves and endearing presence have garnered millions of views and followers. Peng and Fan’s children have also joined in on the fun dancing, further enthralling netizens with their dance routines. No matter how many viewers or likes they receive, what matters most to them is their passion for life and dancing.

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Watch the video here and share the joy with your family and friends (video src: South China Morning Post)