BEIJING: A middle-aged man in eastern China stole the spotlight on a moving airport walkway by joining a group of dancers and striking a funny pose that left netizens in stitches.
Recently, several dancers from Yunnan province in southwestern China filmed a video at Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
Positioned on the automated walkway, they sequentially struck classic poses from Dunhuang dance, one of China’s traditional dance styles.
Known for its intricate hand gestures, flowing movements and extended postures, Dunhuang dance is inspired by the Flying Apsaras in the Mogao Caves, celestial beings from Buddhist and Hindu mythology.
The professional dancers are from the Xiluodu Art Troupe, founded in 2007, which tours across China.
The humorous moment happened when a man, standing behind the dancers, joined their video shoot.
In the clip, he smiles, sporting a large belly; he pulls a suitcase with one hand while stretching out the other in sync with the dancers.
Passers-by behind him burst into laughter and gave thumbs-up signs.
The dancers did not notice him until the video went viral, racking up more than 10 million views on mainland social media.
They began searching for the so-called uncle, asking netizens to help spread the clip.
One online observer said: “It is fun when strangers blend in with the vibes. Tell that uncle, well done.”
Another said: “That ‘flying uncle’ really elevated the whole video.”
In December, several mainland media outlets reached out to the man, surnamed Fu, from the Shanghai Electric Machinery Company.
The 54-year-old Fu is reportedly a union worker. On the day of the video shoot, he had just returned from a business trip.
Fu said that when he saw people striking poses in front of him, he could not resist joining in.
“I just naturally blended into the atmosphere with the dancers. I thought, ‘I cannot fall behind’,” he said.
Fu also expressed joy and pride over his unexpected rise to fame.
“As the year ends, there is a lot of work and I was tired at the airport. But I never expected my small action would warm the hearts of so many people online. It is an inspiration for life,” he said.
His colleagues and friends praised his cheerful work ethic, joyful spirit and youthful energy.
One worker said that Fu’s heart is “full of love and childlike innocence”, while another said they often seek Fu’s advice and find him reliable.
Fu believes his involvement with the dance troupe reflects his approach to life and work.
“For me, happiness is the key to productivity. Life is about embracing responsibility and pressure at work, while being open to the unexpected and surprises in life,” he said.
Fu’s story struck a major chord online.
One online observer said: “The most fulfilling way to live is by being interesting. We should all learn from Fu by keeping curiosity and love for the world.” - South China Morning Post
