Freeing body & soul through dance

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Modern dance is not only an expression of inner emotions, it's a way of training the body. And of course, it's a great way to work-out! Our reporter Song Yaotian, a fan of modern dance herself, has been to a special modern dance camp in Beijing, to see how this "artistic" exercise is performed.

Stretch, draw a circle with your arms, then stretch again.

Turn a somersalt on the ground.

Beijing Dance Festival is being held.

Some typical training moves of modern dance -- and a great way to relax your body, after a long day at work.

It’s ideal for keeping fit and polishing your muscles and body lines into a dashingly beautiful shape.

The modern dance training camp is part of the Beijing Dance Festival, or the Beijing Dance Bi-week. A hundred and sixty dance lovers from around the country are attending the camp. Divided into eight classes, they’ll practice modern dance all day long for a whole week -- under the guidance of established dancers and choreographers from around the world.

I joined one of the easiest classes, with music that’s slower and more relaxed. I’ve learned this move before, so I could do it.

Lingering near the ground can be fun, but to make it interesting to watch takes a lot more skills than I’ve learnt so far.

Reporter: “Actually I’m a fan of modern dance. I’ve been trained in modern dance for several years. Although I can’t do the splits, or jump very high, practising modern dance can make my neck longer, my arms and legs slimmer. In other words, it can keep me fit.”

Modern dance is favored by fans for its free-flowing style -- instead of the more rigid moves featured in older forms, such as ballet.

But it can also be inclusive of all dance forms, including ballet, folk dance, classic dance or even Tai Chi.

In the free, almost improvised movements, even a non-professional can release their daily stress or emotions.

But for some trainees who are professional dancers-to-be, they prefer the dance’s smart modernity and its intimacy with the ground.

Modern dance trainee said, "Learning modern dance can help me understand the world, my body and life as a whole."

As well as the training camp, the Beijing Dance Festival has many modern dance performances on offer during the coming week. Professionals and amateurs from both China and the rest of the world will mix together in big theaters and small clubs.

Reporter: “In modern dance, you can train your body, express yourself, or simply enjoy the beauty of movement. So whether you’re a long time fan, or just curious about modern dance, this week is for you!”

Beijing Dance Festival is being held.

Jin Meixin totally agree ... Dance is karmic.

Chinese model Jin Meixin(金美辛) shot a group bikini photo on the beach. In the photo, she was wearing bright bikini, such as orange, fluorescent green and red, very sunny in the hot summer, of course, she is such a sexy beauty, enjoy.