Zhu Yuxia, 46, says getting the opportunity to dance is one of the happiest things that have happened to her in many years, even though she can't hear the music she is gyrating to.

　　Zhu is one of 12 members of a dance team formed by the Hongkou District Disabled Persons' Federation. Since last April, the group has met once a week to learn and practice Korean dancing.

　　The dancers leap, squat, turn and move their bodies gracefully according to the rhythm of music they can't hear. Each member of the squad is deaf and mute.

　　"I dance simply because I love it. I began cherishing the love when I was a little girl, and have never betrayed it," Zhu said through sign language. "Life changed after I came here. I become rich, having new friends, more social involvement, and a colorful stage for expressing myself, not using my mouth, but my heart."

　　She said every time they start learning a new motion, they experienced great physical pain.

　　The coach's baton is the only visible thing these deaf dancers can follow. Spiritually, however, they have some strong natural feelings toward music, something most of them have never had a single chance to hear.

　　Zhu said they fell frequently, bruising their limbs. But they just put on a bandage and keep dancing.

　　"Painful, indeed, but meanwhile, we are happy," she said. "We practiced one simple motion again, and again and again. Now, we complete the whole dance. To us, it's an unbelievable accomplishment."

　　Pan Yafeng, 18, is the youngest member of the dance squad. Every Friday evening, she spends two hours traveling to dance class from her high school in Xuhui District. After an hour of dancing, she makes the lengthy journey back home.

　　"I really like the Korean dance. It delivers aesthetic beauty, leaving you room to use your imagination. The Korean folk dress is also smart," said Wang Yanbei, 31, a restaurant dish washer.

　　"The job is tiring. Sometimes I felt lonely as none of my colleagues understand my language," Wang said. "Still, I don't think life is a bitter journey. Even without sound, I can see lights, colors and warmth from others, and I can dance now."

　　The dancers said they lead a happy life, even though many of them are unemployed, earn little, or feel very isolated sometimes.

　　"At least we 12 people are here, and we dance together," Zhu said.

　　She said they've begun learning a Uygur dance, which they will perform at the Helping the Disabled Day in May. "It'll be our show time," she said. "We'll tell the audience in our own words about the beauty of spring and our gratitude for life."