Research Title
When we are dancing together: Exploring square dancing practices in urban outdoors in Shanghai
More about Yidan
Education
- 2023-Present PhD Student in Human Geography, UCL
- 2019-2022 MSc in Landscape Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
- 2015-2019 BS in Landscape Architecture (Agriculture), Northwest A&F University
Work Background
Teaching Assistant, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the School of Design, 2019-2021
- Studio of Landscape Architecture’ (Course Code: GA340) for BS in Landscape Architecture
- ‘Landscape Planning and Design’ (Course Code: LA6201) for Master in Landscape Architecture
Publications
- Cao, Y., & Tang, X. (2022). Evaluating the Effectiveness of Community Public Open Space Renewal: A Case Study of the Ruijin Community, Shanghai. Land, 11, 476. https://doi.org/10.3390/land11040476
- Cao, Y., Liu, C., & Tang, X. (2021). Factors Related to Walking Behavior of the Elderly in Urban Residential Green Spaces During COVID-19. The AHFE Conference 2021 (EI Compendex), In (pp. 569-577). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-80744-3_71
Research Interests
I am interested in the human-environment interactions related to people’s everyday practices in urban outdoors. Using Shanghai as the research site, my PhD research focuses on square dancing (Guang Chang Wu, 广场舞), one of the most popular group fitness activities in China.
Despite the recognised health and social benefits of square dancing, it remains controversial due to its negative environmental impacts (noise, encroachment, traffic disruption), conflicts between dancers and the surrounding community, and the social stigma towards practitioners, particularly older women. However, most research has focused either on verifying its benefits or exploring its cultural-political significance, with less attention paid to the practical challenges faced by participants in everyday practice and the evolving realities of this activity in light of its increasing popularity and diversity in urban settings. In response, this study, grounded in post-human and pragmatic perspectives, seeks to address these gaps by exploring three key facets: routine, materiality and co-presence.
Using a qualitative approach that combines video techniques with participant observation and interviews, this research examines how square dancing unfolds in specific time-spaces, how participants negotiate with material and social environments, and the extent to which people are aware of these interactions. In doing so, I hope to deepen our understanding of not only square dancing itself but also the relationships between collective life and urban outdoor spaces and provide insights for future urban planning and landscape design.
Research Grants, Prizes and Awards
Scholarships and Awards
- China National Scholarship, 2017 and 2018
- Shanghai Outstanding Graduated Student Award, 2022
Design Competitions and Others
- Grand Prize, ‘Walking in Shanghai: Effectiveness of Public Open Spaces Governance in Old Communities in a High-density City’, the ‘Zhixing Cup’ in the Shanghai College Student Social Practice Project Competition, 2021
- Third Prize, ‘Feather in Bamboo’, the Design Competition for 2020 Chengdu Park City International Garden Season and the 3rd BFU International Garden-Making Week, 2020