Every week we ask a North Korean your questions, giving you the chance to learn more about the country we know so little about. This week, Dale H. (UK), asks:

Did you ever practice for mass dance events like Arirang? How are the participants chosen, how intensive is their training and what does it mean to them and their families?

In North Korea, the enthusiasm to participate in mass gymnastic and dancing groups was so high that those who did not participate were considered weird. As such, most North Koreans have experience participating in these kind of group displays. I remember doing