This summer, the "A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER Dance Crew" who realized their big dream of performing at the World University Basketball Series 2023, also known as "Sun Chlorella presents WUBS", reconvened at Futakotamagawa, the venue for the KINEKO International Film Festival.The promisingly grown girls enjoy interacting through dance, delivering a bright future to the gathered children.

This time, the Dance crew performed on a special street stage set up inside the venue of the “KINEKO International Film Festival” held in Futako-Tamagawa, where Rakuten Group’s headquarters building, “Rakuten Crimson House” is located.Proclaiming a “Film Festival for Children,” they head to the venue to unveil the program for this film festival, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

Since the performance at WUBS held at Yoyogi Second Gymnasium in mid-August, it’s been a while since many participating members have seen each other. Yet, the steps of Aika, Ayaka, Ayane, Sana, Sanae, Sheena, Yuki, and Yuzuki appear brisk.As Director Reiko had hoped, “I want this to be a time of pride for the members,” the bond with companions who faced difficulties together was strong, and the experience on the big stage had become a great asset. This could be inferred from each of their relaxed expressions.There lay a figure that had gained confidence and grown even stronger.

“The most surprising thing when I met everyone was that they maintained the same high level of enthusiasm as they did three months ago, without any changes.People often lose focus or become less dedicated to practice once they overcome a major hurdle, but it was different for them.”That was the most delightful thing, wasn’t it?”Reiko expresses her desire to share the joy of embracing new challenges, this time with children.If you muster up the courage and take a step forward yourself, the fun world will expand even more.Just as once, members of the dance crew participated in auditions of their own accord and secured their places in the group.

This time, the number was prepared by Mari Miyano, a former NBA dancer.Mari Miyano says that on the plane back to Japan after finishing the season with the Golden State Warriors, she reflected on her feelings when she first went to the United States and thought about the choreography.”I can’t forget the words of Sabrina, the dance team director, who advised me and the other participants, who were extremely nervous about participating in the audition, saying, ‘There will be various things so far and from now on, but just for today, forget everything and enjoy the dance.'””For that reason, I wanted to make it a number that everyone in the dance crew could enjoy dancing to.”The dance crew performed a happy number by Mari Miyano, based on jazz.After a talk show, next is a dance clinic where children in the venue can participate on the fly.

The members give lectures directly at a close distance where eye contact is met.From simple gestures such as clapping hands to slightly complex steps and turns, children’s bodies and minds are invigorated by direct communication.Most children’s dance programs are school-based and are conducted in places such as studios and gymnasiums.”Such initiatives that blend into the city like this time are rare,” Reiko and Mari Miyano agree.Especially in downtown areas with heavy pedestrian traffic, all the more so.”A precious opportunity to cultivate the newfound enthusiasm of children who say, ‘I want to try it again’.”

“After retiring as an NBA dancer, I pondered what I could do next and thought of parent-child dance.I put out a call on social media, and since there were locals who asked me to come by all means, I traveled around America for almost a month and a half by car.The innocence of children remains the same, whether in America or Japan.”I couldn’t help but come because it seemed fun,” and I was reminded again of the importance of such occasions.Reiko, who relates this project to her own experience.And that feeling is passed on to the next generation.

“Powered by Sports. Playing for All.Formed under the concept of “A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER”, this is a dance crew with diverse backgrounds and rich personalities.They continue to be the catalyst for children to harbor dreams, offering hope and courage, and will persist on their respective paths.

A dance documentary tracing the activities from the formation of the “A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER Dance Crew” is scheduled for release this winter.Look forward to this too!

TEXT : Keisuke Honda EDIT: Yohsuke Watanabe (IN FOCUS)