Driven by passion, they “dance” their way to victory!

The Chinese College Student Street Dance Championship, the Chinese College Student Health & Vitality Competition, and the Zhejiang Provincial College Student Aerobics Championship are among the most prestigious events in collegiate aerobics. Zhejiang University’s aerobics team made its debut in offline competitions, earning an impressive array of accolades: one gold and one silver in the fiercely competitive street dance category, along with two golds and one bronze in the other two events.

This extraordinary team is composed of undergraduate and graduate students from dozens of different schools. How do these non-professional athletes manage to balance their studies while achieving a competitive level on par with professional athletes? Their secret lies in an unwavering passion for aerobics, an unshakable dedication to the team, and an almost artful mastery of time management.

“Cheerleading is a team sport. More important than dance skills is the willingness to endure hardship and the commitment to the team,” said GUO Hong, the team’s coach.

Despite grueling schedules, the team trains rigorously, often finding time after evening classes and during weekends. Their dedication knows no bounds—practices often stretch late into the night as they polish routines to perfection. During breaks, members can be seen poring over their laptops, catching up on coursework. Even at competitions, moments backstage are spent completing online assignments, ensuring every minute is put to good use.  

“Being willing to give and striving for perfection have been the team’s ethos since its founding,” Guo emphasized. “This is the foundation that allows us to overcome any challenge.”

Rain or shine, the team’s training never stops. Their routines demand not only peak physical performance but also unwavering mental resilience. Teammates encourage one another through the toughest moments, overcoming fears and refining moves with tireless repetition. High-risk maneuvers, like lifts, come with inherent dangers, yet their resolve remains steadfast.

“Even if we get hurt, we return to practice as soon as we can. If our bodies can’t train, our minds stay focused,” said CAO Haoxue, a graduate student from the College of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

This story of perseverance began twelve years ago when Guo, then a newcomer to Zhejiang University, envisioned creating a cheerleading team that would foster a sense of belonging and unity. Today, her vision has come to life. For many members, the team is more than just a group — it’s a second home, a sanctuary where friendships are forged and dreams take flight.

Inevitably, competitions bring immense pressure. Sometimes, minor mistakes can lead to tears of frustration, but in those moments, teammates are quick to offer hugs and encouragement. “Seeing this kind of support, I realized that the team’s bond transcends competition results,” said LIU Wencheng, an undergraduate from the School of Economics.

For the team, the journey matters more than the destination. “Whether we win or lose, the process of working together toward a common goal is already a form of success,” said CHEN Xinran, an undergraduate from the Chu Kochen Honors College.

Beyond the competitive arena, the team has taken on various artistic performances, including shows at the Asian Games and university anniversary celebrations. In the critically acclaimed stage play Stars and Earth, the team’s meticulously choreographed dance paid tribute to the university’s illustrious history, leaving audiences deeply moved.

On stage, the team’s hard-earned skills earn them applause and accolades. Off stage, they shine just brightly, gracing campus events like marathon openings and New Year galas, spreading the joy of dance and inspiring others with their passion.

For the aerobics team at Zhejiang University, success is not just about medals — it’s about the love, sacrifice, and unity that transform every performance into an unforgettable masterpiece.

Adapted and translated from the article written by CHENG Xuhang, HUANG Leting, WANG Zuowei, ZHANG Shufan
Translator: FANG Fumin  
Photo: the interviewees      
Editor: TIAN Minjie