Step by Stage! ~ I Can't Believe I'm the Leader of a Dance Circle! ~...

Episode 5: "Rock Part Difficulties and Unstoppable Costume Plans"

Makoto's rock part is not finished!

　Oh no ...... I can't get into it at all ......!"
　Makoto Sato's unusually weak voice echoes in the circle room. She is always in high spirits, but today she is quite depressed.

　There was a notepad and a phone spread out on the desk, and a powerful chorus of Japanese rock music was playing from the phone. We decide to dance to this rock song as part of our medley. Of course,choreographeris "I want to rock and burn! and Makoto himself strongly recommended it.

　However, when they actually try to come up with the choreography, it does not seem to go as well as they imagined.
I want to dance aggressively like a rocker, but it's just too lame. ......I might wave my arms in time to a guitar riff, but a mere "headbang" doesn't feel like dancing. It doesn't feel like dancing. ......
　Makoto is holding her head and tapping her fingers rhythmically on the desk. Her athletic groove is powerful and attractive, but this is the first time for her to create a detailed choreography.

　I, **Koharu Sakurai**, was standing next to Makoto, peering into her notepad. There were "intro: arm movement x2," "turn before the chorus? Jump -> Formation move on landing?" but there were mostly just arrows and large circles scattered around. It seems that the image has not been solidified and is still lost.
I thought Makoto could make it with more gusto, but ...... is it still difficult?"
　When I asked her, Makoto gave me an unusually timid look and said, "No. ...... I know that 'momentum alone' is not enough, and that's why I'm struggling.
"You want to make it look cool, but when you actually do it, it's all flabby and unorganized. ......

　Then one of them appeared from behind me,Shizuku MiyataHe has a cool expression and emits a familiar low voice.
At first I thought, "What's going to happen when I combine rock and dance? I thought, "What's going to happen with 'rock x dance' at first?
Then help me out, Shizuk......."
　When Makoto weakly asks for help, Shizuku frowns a bit annoyed.
"I'm in charge of the Western cool part as best I can, and I have to point out how the whole thing fits together. ...... But, well, I can at least advise you as much as I can."
Thanks, ......."

　Thus, the rock part was centered around Makoto, with Shizuku also supporting the flow. However, Makoto was alreadyin-builtThe "powerful and hot movement" of Sizuku'sMillimeter-by-millimeter precision in countingI am honestly somewhat concerned - to what extent can the two be integrated?

Mayu's costume project never stops!

　Meanwhile, at the other end of that circle room,Mayu Suzuki was opening a large fashion magazine and working on some new outfit ideas.
You can't change costumes many times on stage at a school festival, can you? But we want to change the atmosphere of each medley song, don't we? What should we do? ......
　Mayu seems to be flipping through magazines and drawing illustrations on a notepad. The ideas themselves are not bad: "Keep the same black T-shirt as the base for each song, but use different accessories to change the arrangement," or "Use different hair accessories to create a completely different atmosphere.
　But the problem is cost.andlaborIt is.
If we prepare different accessories for each person, won't it make a big mess? And it would be disastrous if costume parts were to be dropped during the performance.
　When I fearfully asked her, Mayu gave me a cheekbones and said, "Well, that's certainly a point of concern ......, but the way to attract people is also important.
Then maybe unify the colors for each genre of song?　Like the part where you wear a red scarf, the part where you wear a silver bandana, and so on. ......"
It sounds interesting, but you have to use it in practice to get used to it. It's dangerous if small objects slip or fall off."
"Still, from an audience perspective, I think it would be more fun to have a change in costume. ......

　Mayu is clearlyAttention to CostumeAs the K-pop artist in charge of the K-pop part of the show, he wants to control not only the choreography but also the way it is presented.
　Then he wandered in,Sho OhtaniHe is a good-natured guy, but he is also a handyman. He's a go-getter, but he's also a handy guy who works surprisingly well if you ask him to do some menial tasks.
I heard from a senior employee at my part-time job that there are some accessories that you can buy online at a discount. If you buy them in bulk, you can keep costs down.
Oh, good information! Maybe then we can unify the accessories for all of us. ...... Do you still want to color-code them? Or partition it ......"
　Mayu's eyes begin to sparkle. Sho is overwhelmed, "That's a lot of momentum ......," she says, operating her smartphone and showing us her online store.

　I was a little nervous beside him, "That's helpful, but won't I run out of practice time if I try this and that again? ......Costume RunawayI can't help but have a hunch that the

Leader Koharu, working hard to sort out the situation.

　As each member began to move about unrestrainedly, I was once again called upon to "put things together.
　Makoto's rock part is likely to be practiced with Shizuku, and Mayu and Sho are working on a plan to procure costume ideas. Then I'll be keeping track of the entire circle's schedule as well,Trouble PreventionI have to move for the sake of

　(1) Lock part finish problem
　- I want the choreography to take advantage of Makoto's physical abilities, but isn't it spinning out of control?
　- I want to check often to see how it will be finished with Sizuku's help.

　(2) Costume & accessories runaway problem
　- We need to consider cost, safety, and practice time so that Mayu & Sho's ideas do not leap too far.
　- Can you accommodate the sizes and preferences of all members of the club?

　(3) Consistency with other choreography parts
　- The medley structure is fine, but if each part becomes too disjointed in atmosphere, the whole will seem to be too disconnected.
　- I am in charge of the production plan for "Tsunagari," so I need to check the progress of the choreography from time to time.

　Like this, there are so many things to do that I can't get my head around. But it is strange because whereas a short time ago I would have said, "I may not be able to do it. ......," I am now thinking positively, "I'll come to terms with it somehow.
"You're the leader, you have to step up to the plate here ......!"
　I tell myself this and run my pen over my notepad again.

Makoto's rock part, practice scene

　One day I went to take a peek at the practice studio that Makoto and Shizuku were using. The university's student center has several practice spaces that can be used by making a reservation for an available time.
　When the door was gently opened, there was an intense guitar riff and Makoto's all-out moves.
'Okay, here, swing your arm down and jump ......'
　Makoto is sweating and trying to express his rock groove at full throttle. To be honest, however, it looks more like "the movements of excited fans at a band's concert" than a dance. It has a lot of energy, but it is a little too messy to form a formation on stage.
　In contrast, Shizuku calmly makes his point, ticking off the count to the music.
The rhythm of your landing is off by half a beat. How about adding a turn here?　Also, since the song is so fast, you might want to add some small steps to make it more dynamic.
I see. ...... Okay, I'll try again!"

　The music rewinds and plays, and Makoto swings his arms wide and goes into his turn. Indeed, it's getting cooler. It's not just momentum, it's a little more calculated movement.
'Oooh, I feel so much better!'
　Makoto shouted happily, but halfway through, she lost her balance and stumbled again. When she thought she was in danger ......, Shizuku quickly lent a hand to support her.
Thanks, Shizuk ......"
"You've got too much energy. You have to be a little more moderate."
　Seeing the two of them look at each other and giggle, I feel a little relieved. Makoto and Shizuku, who had tended to clash with each other, are cooperating with each other in some good way. This may be a big growth.

　I call out to them, applauding at the edge of the studio.
You're doing great, both of you. I think it's turning out good, don't you?　From my point of view, it's not tacky at all!"
Really?　I'm glad ......"
　Makoto scratches his head in embarrassment. Shizuku nods his head and says, "We still need to make some minor adjustments, but I think the direction is good.

Costume ideas, a sense of escalation.

　I thought the rock part was a step forward and a relief ......, but the next problem isCostume TeamThey come from the Mayu & Sho tag team.
　The next day, when I entered the circle room, they were very excitedly showing each other their phone screens.
Look, look, I found these bandanas in an online store!"
I think these LED gloves look interesting: ......
LED gloves? What's that, doesn't that sound like a sci-fi dance?"
Because it would be so cool if your hands lit up in the dark!"

　I roll my eyes and say, "LED gloves?" I call out "LED gloves? Mayu explains excitedly.
I was thinking, "Well, if we use these, when the lights go down, only the tips of our hands will glow, so that would make for a cool effect! But it's going to cost a lot of money to get all of ...... together, you know?"
'Well, that's a little ...... cost-prohibitive, isn't it?'
　When I was puzzled, Sho was strangely enthusiastic, saying, "If we buy in bulk, we can get a discount, and if we increase the number of part-time workers, we can manage ....... But I don't want to put a burden on the whole circle, and I'm sure Rika-senpai and the other members have their own opinions.

　Then Makoto wandered in and blew up when he heard them talking.
Ha ha." LED gloves? You can dance with those? I'm getting hilarious just imagining it!"
Don't be ridiculous! It's funny, isn't it?"
It's funny, but it doesn't really fit the song, does it? It doesn't make sense to have glowing hands in a rock song."
　Makoto's righteous comment was countered by Sho, "No, it might fit if we use it in the disco part! Sho countered, "No, it could be used in the disco part! Mayu agreed, "If it can be used for the K-pop part to create a night-like effect, then it's possible! Mayu agreed. Shizuku then made a subtle face, "LED for the cool part? Hmmm, it's not quite right. ......
　In an instant, all hell breaks loose again. It's great for comedy, but a headache for a leader.

How to summarize Koharu

　Eventually,LED GlovesAs for the "for now", it was decided to "hold off for now". The reason is the cost and the uncertainty as to whether or not it fits the mood of the song. Considering Makoto and Shizuku's concerns, it would be difficult to use it for all parts. Mayu seems a little disappointed, but she is not giving up hope: "Well, it's not zero possibility yet, right? but she has not given up hope. Sho was not discouraged, "Yes, I'll use it someday! He is not discouraged. I hope this momentum doesn't go out of control somewhere. ......

　Just,Color-coding with bandanas and other accessoriesTo some extent, everyone agreed with the idea of doing this.

• The rock part is based on "hot" colors such as red and black.
• The K-pop part is in white, pink, and other "cute" colors.
• The disco part should be a flashy color (silver or gold?). Try a
• The cool part is monotone and simple.

　As I summarize, I will ask everyone in the circle, "How much would you like to purchase for accessories?" and finally, after trying it out in a general practice session, we will make a decision. This kind of arrangement is also a leader's job. When there are a lot of people in a circle, it becomes confusing unless we gather all the opinions at once.
Okay, let's start with a light demonstration of the choreography for each part at Saturday's general practice, along with an explanation of what the costumes will look like!"
　When I declared this, Makoto said, "Okay, the rock part is almost ready! Mayu was also enthusiastic, "I'll bring samples of the accessories! Mayu was also enthusiastic, "I'll bring samples of the accessories! Sho agrees, saying, "I want to try out the real thing before ordering online. Shizuku adds calmly, "It would be nice to be able to fine-tune the standing position.

　-- Thus, the difficulty of the rock part and the outburst of costumes seemed to have settled down.

A new spark of conflict?

　But my hunch would come true. The spark of a new conflict came from an unexpected source.
　As each member was preparing choreography and costume ideas for Saturday's general practice, a scheduling problem arose: "Can the beginner group practice together?" The question arose: "Can the beginners practice with us?
　Mayu and Shizuku also served as support for beginners, but recently they have been concentrating on making their own parts, so they have not been able to follow up enough with the beginner group. I can't keep up with the choreography! I can't keep up with the choreography!
"I'd love to watch the beginners on basic practice day, but I have to finish the rock part and I'm running out of time ......"
　If Makoto holds her head up, Shizuku shrugs, "I'm too busy to do anything about it. Mayu is also about to cry, "Oh no...... I'm so full just putting together a choreography plan.......
　There are about 10 members in the beginner group, not all of whom are completely inexperienced, but many are not yet familiar with counting and stepping. Since we plan to have all circle members on the festival stage, if the beginner group falls behind when they are mixed in with the formation, it will affect the overall completeness of the group.
　My idea of a "sharing strategy" alone may be nearing its limits.

　With the itinerary unfolded, I desperately think about the real problem: how to follow the beginner groups. With limited time and effort, how can I balance creating choreography for each part and teaching beginners? ......
"Hmmm ...... we need to come up with something else ......"

epilogue

　Thus, although the problems with the rock part and the runaway costume proposal have been put to rest, a new major issue has emerged: teaching the novice group. As leader, I am once again faced with a series of hardships.
　Nevertheless, it is clear that each member is moving forward little by little. Makoto and Shizuku are cooperating despite their conflicts, and Mayu and Sho are getting excited about coming up with interesting costume plans.
"I guess this is just another slapstick of youth. ......"
　With this in mind, I made a note of the priorities of the tasks. Whether or not the "unveiling" at the next general practice will be successful will depend on how well I can coordinate.
"Okay, now let's see how we can get the beginner group involved ...... and go for it one more time!"

　We still have a long way to go and a lot of trouble ahead. But as long as we all have that desire to reach the highest stage - we will not stop. And so the slapstick youth comedy moves on to the next step.