China ‘left-behind aunties’, known as senior girl group, gain popularity for charm, dance skills

A troupe of left-behind rural women in central China has gained online fame through group live streams orchestrated by local Gen Z managers.In Junying village in Henan province, more than 20 women with an average age of 60 wear sunglasses and gloves, colourful jackets and dance with props in a disused courtyard.But this is no ordinary square dancing.Pink confetti-like pieces fill the air as the aunties perform. Photo: mp.weixin.qq.comIn group live-streams, the aunties take on the viral dance routines favoured by younger internet users, while viewers send virtual gifts and vote on the song choice or who takes centre stage.Off camera, their young managers keep up a rapid-fire commentary, thanking fans by username and driving the energy of the room.At peak times, a single session can draw over 10,000 concurrent viewers.For the aunties, however, the performances mean more than online attention.