Yang Fang, a girl from central China, recovered after being in a coma for ten years thanks to her mother’s efforts. She underwent square-dance therapy daily for 10 years.
Square dance is a folk dance of four couples standing in a square. The caller gives the instructions and the dancers follow them in real time instead of learning a fixed routine.
Xiao Xuefei, 59, has been taking care of her daughter since Yang became seriously ill and fell into a coma. Doctors warned that her chances of waking up were extremely low. According to the South China Morning Post, they even advised her to stop treatment.
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However, Xiao refused to give up. She moved her daughter to a normal ward, then took her home and began to rehabilitate herself.
According to doctors, music, dance and even travel could help stimulate Yang’s dormant nerves. Every morning, Xiao pushed her daughter to a nearby park and danced while holding her hand.
In China, many middle-aged women enjoy dancing in parks as a simple and inexpensive way to stay active and combat loneliness. They are called “Square Dance Aunts”.
They bring radios, play music and sometimes wear matching clothes. “Square dance aunties” are popular in many places.
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Xiao’s dedication soon caught the attention of local dance groups, who supported her by leading movement exercises and teaching her new steps.
Progress came in small steps. In her second year, Yang spoke her first sentence and thanked her mother, the publication added.
Doctors noted clear changes in her brain activity and called her recovery a miracle.
Xiao never stopped the routine. Day after day she danced with her daughter in the park, encouraging her with simple movements.
Over time, Yang stood up again and learned to take careful steps. Today he can speak short sentences and take care of himself. However, her thinking is still evolving. He only recognizes his parents.
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After years of consistent effort, Yang gradually regained movement, consciousness and speech. He can now walk, talk and take care of himself.
In a recent interview, Xiao said she had formed a square dance group with 150 members. For Xiao, every fight has meaning as long as her daughter is happy.
As she says, both she and her daughter enjoy dancing deeply and continue to dance every day.
“As long as my daughter is happy, all the hardships and exhaustion have been worth it,” SCMP quoted Xiao as saying.
Reaction on social networks
Many people on social media are now thanking the mother for making it possible. They praised her dedication.
“Xiao’s years of perseverance is truly inspiring. A mother’s love creates miracles,” wrote a social media user.
Another noted, “Dance and music provide a healing power that goes beyond words.”
