Dalian's Dancing Girls (02:08)

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China's port city relies on tourism and entertainment industries. Wen Wen mentors a group of young female dancers at the Nightman; most are from poor urban families with little education.

Hope for a Brighter Future (03:16)

Wen Wen created the lead dancer phenomenon in Dalian nightclubs in 1994. She now contracts other young women; learn their dreams and social habits.

Cutting Business Corners (03:03)

A Dalian dancer wants to marry rich. Nightman manager Guan tries to attract new patrons, including advertising on a local radio station, and asks the girls to increase their productivity.

Employment Tension (02:40)

Nightman dancers’ paychecks are delayed—most support their families and have high costume expenses. The management is unsatisfied with their performance and wants to stand out from other Dalian discos.

A Struggling Nightclub (01:45)

During the summer, Dalian residents meet outdoors and business drops at the Nightman. The management cuts staff and splits the dancers into two groups—reducing their salary.

Dalian Entertainment Strike (03:11)

Nightman dancers take a stand against salary cuts by refusing to come to an event. Wen Wen is informed a private contractor will take over and urges the girls to keep their positions.

Management Betrayal (04:05)

The Nightman recruits outside dancers to teach new moves; the girls are resistant, thinking it's a ploy to get them to quit. Guan tells them to improve their attitude.

Forced to Quit in China (03:34)

The dancers are told to take the night off but decide to go anyway. They find new management and private contractors have taken over their routines; within six months, all the girls have left the Nightman.

Credits: Dancing Girls: Life in China's Fast Lane-China from Within (00:46)

Credits: Dancing Girls: Life in China's Fast Lane-China from Within