China Worries About Obesity (and Young Love)

When dance classes are introduced in China's primary and middle schools this fall, the children will be dancing by themselves or in groups, the BBC reports. The new edict addresses concerns from parents who fear that couples dancing could lead to puppy love... or worse. The dance classes were announced last month by the Ministry of Education in an effort to combat childhood obesity.

In a 15-year period, the number of overweight and obese children in China is said to have increased 28 fold. Seven dances will be taught in schools, including the waltz. But four students will dance together, rather than two, one official explained, and the children will change partners regularly, so "the risk of young love will be lowered." (More dance class stories.)