Mari Miyano, who will be performing as a dancer for the NBA team "Golden State Warriors" in the United States starting from October 2022.I interviewed her who fulfilled her dreams at the Basketball court of the Ikesei Youth Exchange Center in Ike-no-ue, which was renovated based on the partnership established between Rakuten Group and the Warriors.

The sight of dancers often seen during sports games. The impression is particularly strong in NBA and NFL games, and for dancers, performing in America, the birthplace of cheerleading, is a coveted and admired position. Mari Miyano, one of the few Japanese women who passed the audition for an NBA team’s dancer, what was her mindset when she set her sights on America?

“One of the reasons I wanted to perform in America was my participation in a cheerleading competition in America when I was a college student. The performance of the American team that I saw there truly shone to me. “I feel like the exposure to the authentic spirit of cheerleading at that time ignited a desire in me to take on new challenges.”

In the NBA, all 82 games are held over a period of seven months from October to the following April, which is the regular season, with half of them being home games. Mari Miyano, a member of the Warriors’ dancers, also spent her days performing at the Warriors’ home arena, the “Chase Center” in San Francisco, from October 2022 until April of this year. Additionally, even in the off-season, activities such as participation in local events continue. What supported her in the unfamiliar environment of her first overseas life. It was a pure desire to be able to live through my favorite dance.

“Since I couldn’t go to the practice or game venues without a car, I got my driver’s license for the first time over there. Actually, I’ve never even lived alone before (laughs).Even so, I think there were hardly any moments when I felt the hardship. “The joy of being able to live while doing what I find enjoyable was much stronger.”

The tenure of an NBA team dancer is only one year. In order to continue standing on the glamorous stage, one must pass the audition again. However, for some reason, the expressions and words uttered by Mari Miyano are very gentle. It doesn’t give off a serious mood in the slightest. That’s because she has a new challenge that she embraces now, precisely because she has achieved her dream.

“My mentor, Ms. Yanagishita, who had experience as a dancer in the NBA and NFL, often used to say, ‘There is a dream beyond your dreams.'”I am indeed feeling the truth of those words. The experience I gained with the Warriors has given me the confidence that I can continue to step up even further in the future. I’ve had such wonderful encounters that I feel have changed my life, and I’ve received a lot of support. In whatever form it may take, I want to give back through dance.”I feel that way now.”

Just as the word “cheer” implies, Mari Miyano will continue to energize those around her through dance. Currently, Rakuten, in its headquarters location, is working with Setagaya Ward, which has declared itself a “City Supporting Children and Child-rearing,” to create a town where children can grow up lively. They are using the “Ikesei” Basketball Court to carry out the “ABFT (A Better Future Together) Dance Crew” project. This project aims to provide inspiration and hope to future athletes and dancers in various ways. We are excited to announce a dance audition featuring a judge who is a dancer from an NBA team who has achieved their dreams. We will be sharing various initiatives such as creating spaces for lessons and performances, so stay tuned.

INTERVIEW & TEXT: Keisuke Honda PHOTO: Masashi Ura