Rakuten Group, in collaboration with Setagaya Ward where its headquarters is located, has launched the project 'A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER Dance Project', utilizing the basketball court of the Ikenoue Youth Exchange Center 'Ikesei' that they have jointly developed.Following our previous report that delivered the audition process judged by NBA dancers, this time we bring you a rehearsal report aimed at the halftime show performance at the World University Basketball Series 2023, commonly known as WUBS, by the 12 female dancers who passed the audition. The event is presented by Sun Chlorella.

Reiko’s voice, who serves as the director of this project, echoes throughout the rehearsal venue in Setagaya, Tokyo.

“Everyone, it’s really great!”More!”Let’s make it better!”

There, at the National Yoyogi Stadium Second Gymnasium where the WUBS halftime show is held, one could see the audition winners fervently rehearsing to deliver their best performance.

The successful candidates this time are Aika, Ayaka, Ayane, Mayu, Mei, Nahoko, Sana, Sanae, Sheena, Yuki, Yuria, and Yuzuki, totalling 12 people.Reiko says, “The ‘A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER Dance Crew’, formed by dancers with diverse backgrounds, is characterized by its members with rich personality.”Additionally, for those girls, Reiko, Manami, Anzu, and Mari Miyano, each of whom has NBA dancer experience, were responsible for choreographing one song each.The length of one song is about a minute and a half. A dance crew of 12, carrying the essence of four songs’ worth of authentic performances by professional dancers, will consolidate everything they have to liven up the venue on the day of the performance.

　　The participating dancers spent three days in a full rehearsal, not only learning the choreography but also ingraining the overall flow and each individual’s fine movements into their heads and bodies.The way to extend your hand, the rotation of your hips, the timing of jumps and crouches… You must repeat these aspects until they are beautifully aligned and you grasp the sensation.Perfecting choreography by a professional dancer is not an easy task, and in addition, this time solo performances are prepared for each member.Even during the breaks set aside in rehearsal time, the members check with each other about parts they are concerned about, and exchange advice.Each individual enhances their skill level autonomously, imagining themselves thriving on a grand stage.

“How did you feel about the current performance?”

After each routine was completed, Reiko continued to pose the same question to all the members.That’s because they are seeking autonomous opinions on “how their own dance can be improved”.”Anyway, I want them to enjoy dancing with members who they may never get a chance to dance with again,” says Reiko, who listens to their voices while conveying improvements from a professional dancer’s perspective, and arranges the originally prepared choreography and positions to the best possible state.”So that each member can shine.”Their feelings come across through their words and actions.The conclusion of the intense rehearsal involves performing all four songs at full throttle (with all one’s might).”Good job!”How was it?In response to Reiko’s question, all the members said, “It was fun!””, he responded with a smile.

Each participating member has a vision of the future they imagine.The invaluable experiences of receiving choreography and direct instruction from the admired professional dancers are undoubtedly the triggers that lead to their dreams, and will surely become the assets that support these girls in the future.

TEXT: Keisuke Honda