A DANCER with no training and less than a year of practice is challenging a world record.

Zhuang Wei, aged 23, bought a DVD of the Irish tap-dance ensemble Riverdance last year, and found in it a way to express himself.

He started to dance after watching "An American in Paris" and "Singing in the Rain", among other dance movies. After the tour of "Lord of the Dance" - another tap dance show - in Shanghai, many news stories enthused about dancer Michael Flatley's incredible speed of 35 beats per second, which broke the Guiness world record.

Zhuang bought his first pair of tap shoes in April, and soon found that "I could dance almost as fast as that." The idea occurred to him that he could apply for the Guiness record - at least as the fastest in China, if not in the world.

He started timing himself, making videos and audio recordings. An audio analysis chart showed that he was reaching speeds of at least 30 beats per second. Using a lap-top computer, he played his video and audio recordings to people, searching for support and recognition. He also took part in several tap dance competitions, but returned home empty-handed after failing to win any prizes. Zhuang thought this was because the judges couldn't understand his dancing style. He also admitted that he lacked the power of endurance required for a full-length performance.

"The winners were just mediocre, though some introduced Chinese folk dance elements into their performances," he said.

Tap dance has become popular in Shanghai recently. Classes are available in Irish and free American-style tap. But Zhuang's dance didn't belong to either, which made it difficult for professional dancers to evaluate him.

"Nobody is in a place to judge him at present," said Wang Yuan of the Shanghai Dancers' Association. "Tap is not popular enough to have unified standards of judgment in Shanghai yet."

Wang advised him from the beginning to take a dance class, but Zhuang refused. "I think the basic training is stiff and rigid. My dancing reflects my own understanding of art and the world," Zhuang said.

Zhuang remains optimistic about himself, believing that breaking the Guiness world record - or at least setting a new China record - will lead him to success. "I feel as if success can come any time," he said. "I want to join a dance company which shares my ideas and ambitions. I want to establish my own style and give myself full expression." Having read widely, he is full of feelings to express.

He has ambitious plans for a dance drama, professional performances and for publishing his writings. Zhuang studied computer science at college for two years, but never had any real interest in the subject. He didn't take a job after graduation but remained at home instead.

Zhuang's parents supported him, but with reservations. Nevertheless, they covered the expense of renting a studio for sound analysis. "They still believe dancing is a profession suited only for the young, a craft instead of an art."

"I suggested Zhuang learn more about dance. All dances are connected, and it wouldn't harm him to learn more," Wang said. "He has taken a step forward in terms of creativity, but if he wants to go further, he has to learn more."