In 2011, the dance team, SOCIAL WORKEEERZ, was formed with the vision of "realizing a society where barriers are eliminated and possibilities are maximized".Aiming to achieve social inclusion through dance and entertainment, transcending the presence or absence of disabilities, gender, and nationality.They, will perform a dance at the Rakuten Super Baseball Game held in Tokyo Dome on August 1st.I wonder what feelings they have when they confront dance and how they are active as performers.We heard the thoughts of three people: DAIKI, who assumed the role of representative from 2022, and ueno and NAGA, members who jointly undertook the choreography and direction this time.

——The stage at Tokyo Dome is quite large, isn’t it.

“Since I was small, I have been playing Baseball, and I was always watching Baseball on TV.However, at the age of 19, I developed spinal stenosis, a complication of chondrodysplasia, and after undergoing major surgery, I was unable to continue playing Baseball. I had to step away from being a player in my first year of university.For a young baseball player, the Tokyo Dome is essentially a “sacred place of dreams”.I can’t believe that one can be involved in Baseball through Dance in such a place. I think this time, people who come to watch Baseball might just happen to see our performance, and I would be happy if we could deliver something that resonates in their hearts.” (DAIKI)

“I also played Baseball when I was in elementary school, and I was the fourth batter and the catcher.It’s really delightful to be able to dance at a familiar sports event. As SOCIAL WORKEEERZ, it’s a valuable opportunity to convey the appeal of Dance to people who have come to watch Baseball, so I think we had a wonderful time.” (ueno)

“It’s quite moving to say that it can be done at Tokyo Dome.SOCIAL WORKEEERZ is a group of dancers made up of members from various backgrounds, so their expressions are diverse. I think that it can feel refreshing for the people who watch us.” (DAIKI)

“The opportunity to dance in such a large venue is a rare chance in life.As a dancer and performer, I am genuinely happy.Perhaps even those who have never done Dance, or never watched it, might think, “Maybe I should try it,” or “I feel really energized.”I want to create an opportunity for others to experience the beauty of Dance, even just a little bit.” (NAGA)

ueno, who has many roles such as a dancer, actor, planner, and choreographer.I also have qualifications as a childcare worker and kindergarten teacher, and I teach dance to children.Active as a member of the urban rock dance team, grooviest.I participated in the finals of Japan’s largest street dance contest, “TOKYO DANCE DELIGHT vol.29”.

In addition to SOCIAL WORKEEERZ, NAGA also works as a member of the urban rock dance team, grooviest, like ueno.

 DAIKI, known for being the first Japanese person with dwarfism to obtain a health and physical education teacher’s license.In addition to being a dancer, they also hold roles such as an actor and a radio DJ.Appeared in the historical drama “Hikarukimie” as the role of Sumaru.

——Rakuten Group has the slogan ‘Powered by Sports. Playing for All’. What future does SOCIAL WORKEEERZ envision through their activities?

“Usually, I give lessons as a Dance instructor, and it’s common for elderly people to come to dance for their health.Of course, moving your body is part of it, but what I really enjoy is the connection with others through communicating with my dance partners.”The beauty of sports is that it not only makes the body healthy, but also the mind, and I believe that this leads to a better future.” (ueno)

“I was feeling the same thing too.In the activities of SOCIAL WORKEEERZ, communication leads to trust among colleagues, which in turn leads to unity, and ultimately results in a good work as a Dance.It makes you appreciate the wonderful aspect of sports.”(NAGA)

“I have been living my life with sports ever since I became conscious of my surroundings.In fact, I’ve not only played Baseball, but also minibasketball, Tennis, judo, boxing, and swimming.It’s often thought that having a disability means you can’t play sports, but that’s not the case at all. Depending on how you do it, you can accomplish things you couldn’t before.” (DAIKI)

“Dance is especially so.” (NAGA)

“Dance, in a good way, is a physical expression without a ‘mold’, so there is a method of expression for everyone, and anyone can engage in it.For example, Ueno has experience in various dance genres, so he incorporates them into his dance, and NAGA, who was originally a professional rock dancer, incorporates that style.The charm of dance is that it can be arranged in various ways, regardless of genre. Since I don’t have any fixed ideas like ‘I have to do it this way’, it would be interesting if such a free-thinking approach could spread to other sports as well, wouldn’t it?” (DAIKI)

——Among all the sports, what do you think is the unique charm of Dance?

“Dance has an overwhelming power that enriches people’s hearts.I myself, due to a chronic illness, was once restricted from certain activities with rules like “you shouldn’t do this” or “this is no good.”From there, I strongly felt that I wanted to promote a way of thinking about physical education studies and sports that focuses on “how to face it” rather than “can’t do it”.I believe that the multitude of options in Dance provides some hints.I was able to find something that allowed me to express myself because of Dance.Thanks to dance, my heart has become enriched. From now on, I would like to enrich the hearts of those who dance with us and those who watch us, through dance.” (DAIKI).

“I feel that the unique appeal of dance lies in its ability to allow self-expression even when words fail to communicate. For example, even people who find it difficult to speak, or those who are not good at communication, can enjoy the same space by expressing their own unique Dance.That’s the wonderful aspect of Dance.” (ueno)

“Even if you go abroad and can’t speak English, you can express ‘This is who I am’ through Dance.Dance itself is a communication tool.Expressing oneself through dance, and being able to understand others is wonderful, isn’t it?” (NAGA)

——Lastly, what kind of team is SOCIAL WORKEEERZ to you all?

“Even though you can dance alone, doing it as a team allows you to share the joy and fun.We also host events, but don’t you think it would be better if we did more like this?Receiving various opinions from peers, such as ‘What if we do it this way?’ or ‘I think this would improve things’, contributes to your own personal growth.I think that’s the good thing about being in SOCIAL WORKEEERZ.” (NAGA)

“I had been dancing even before I joined SOCIAL WORKEEERZ, but it was this team that changed my values and perspectives towards Dance. Being able to encounter a new version of myself and still being able to learn every day in this environment is really something to be grateful for.” (ueno)

“They are like family to me.I simply want to be side by side with everyone, to share joy together, to empathize with others, and continue to be a team that can sow the seeds of opportunities to enrich people’s hearts.Here, there are dancers who are active in other teams, people who have families, and people from various backgrounds gathered together.I would be glad if this place could become a refuge for those who are in trouble or feeling down, and it also becomes a driving force for myself to protect this place and spread the idea in society that it’s okay to maintain such relationships. As a single dancer, and as a representative, I can proudly say that I love this team.” (DAIKI)

What one wants to express and communicate to others varies from person to person.If there are 100 dancers, there are 100 ways of expression.The fun and appeal of dance lies in being able to arrange it in your own way and enjoy it.I wonder what kind of performance SOCIAL WORKEEERZ will show at the Rakuten Super Baseball Game. We want you to visit Tokyo Dome and experience the thoughts and feelings of each individual there.

TEXT: Kodai Wada
PHOTO: Teppei Hori
INTERVIEW & EDIT: Yohsuke Watanabe (IN FOCUS)