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

Episode 7: "The Storm of Training Camp Planning and the Slapstick of Beginner Basic Practice"

What about the camp? A preliminary study of Sho

 "Look, look, look, what do you think of this place?"
 It was late afternoon on Sunday. In the lounge of the university campus, I was looking around for a potential location for the camp with my circle members. One of the members,Sho Ohtani, operating his smartphone, excitedly shows me the screen.

 The screen shows the words "00 City Youth Training Center" or "Training Camp Plan Available" and some pictures of the facilities. There is a gymnasium and a multi-purpose hall, and it seems to be used as a training camp. Rates are relatively inexpensive, and if your schedule allows, you may be able to rent a room.

"Oh, this is a nice place! With a gymnasium, we can practice a lot, can't we?"
 Makoto Sato, the most flirtatious person at the camp, again pounded the table at max volume.
It's cheap, and there's a bus service from the station. Plus, it's cheap, and there's a bus service from the station.
'Besides, a camp has a big bathhouse and a recreation room at night, right? A slumber party at night would be fun!"
 Mayu Suzuki's eyes light up when she says that.
I'm sure you are enthusiastic about the costumes and the way they are presented. I have the image of being enthusiastic about costumes and showmanship, but I also seem to have a keen eye for this kind of event.

 Meanwhile, **Shizuku Miyata** peers intently at Sho's scrolling smartphone and interjects in a slightly calm voice.
But doesn't it say in the terms and conditions that student groups must have a minimum of ____ members? Our circle has a lot of people, but not everyone can participate. ...... can we clear that up?"
I'm sure that not all of them will show up because there are some beginner groups and part-timers. What if we don't meet the minimum number of participants?"
 I, **Koharu Sakurai**, am also concerned about the schedule and costs. It would be meaningless to go to all the trouble of planning a camp only to have it canceled due to budget overruns or insufficient numbers.

 Nevertheless, everyone's motivation is definitely growing. So I suggested, "For now, let's survey everyone! Let's check the schedule and willingness to participate, and if we can make it, we'll make a tentative reservation.
I'll make a survey right on line!"
 Sho reliably begins to operate his phone, and Makoto and Mayu respond in a flirtatious manner, "Nice to meet you! Makoto and Mayu responded in a flirtatious manner. Shizuku also wrote down the plan in a memo in a nonchalant manner, "Realistically, we're limited to about three days and two nights.
 Rika senior (Rika Aoyama) is in the midst of job hunting, but may join us once she settles down. It would be reassuring to have seniors, but first we sophomores have to take the lead.

 Thus, the "training camp plan" was set in motion. Now it all depends on how many beginners will be able to participate.


Basic practice for the beginner group, now it's time to start!

 That same evening we decided to hold a "basic practice for beginner groups" in the practice room of the student center. It was part of the new schedule we had been preparing since last week.
 At the meeting time, the beginners' group arrived one after another, and at a cursory glance there were about 10 of them. I wondered if it would be okay to go to ....... I was getting a little nervous.
Today we are going to do some basic exercises for beginners, so feel free to join us. If you have any questions, just ask!
 I called out to **Saki Nakamuraand ... andMembers we had recently interviewed, such as Takuya Sasaki**, nodded their heads with a look of great enthusiasm.

 Mayu and Shizuku, who came forward as special lecturers (?) for this event, appear here. Mayu and Shizuku, who came forward as special instructors (?) for this event. Although they have different areas of expertise, they are both quite proficient in teaching basic steps and isolation (how to move parts of the body).
Let's start with stretching and rhythm. Let's relax our bodies and stomp our feet to the music.
 Sizuku calmly explains, while Mayu cheerfully says, "Yes, stretch your arms out! and she serves as the enlivening character.
 The beginner group was puzzled, but began to move their bodies lightly to the music. They are a little awkward, but they all look serious.

 In addition, prior toEdited by ShoThe beginners also made use of the "Basic Steps Explanatory Video" that Mayu and Shizuku had made for us. The beginner group brought in their tablets and watched Mayu and Shizuku's steps on the screen in slow motion while imitating them. It was quite innovative.
"Wow, it's so much easier to compare and understand my own movements when there's video!"
 Saki voiced her happiness, and Takuya-kun nodded his head broadly. I also felt relief, "I'm glad everyone seems to be having fun .......


Makoto's passionate guidance, but spinning out of control?

 Then Makoto suddenly appeared in the studio.
I'm here to help, too! What's with the video? What's with that video? It's so high-tech!
'Makoto, isn't it amazing? Sho edited it for me."
 As I explained, Makoto said, "That's good, that's good! Makoto was very interested.

 However - once Makoto's instruction began, the studio was instantlyAthletic flirtationIt turned out to be.
"Alright, are you all strong enough? You'll get used to the basic steps if you do them a few times! Come on, let's go for another 10 or 20!
 Hot. Too hot. The beginner group is serious, but clearly not keeping up with the action.
Wait a minute!
I can't do it anymore ......!"
 Saki and Takuya screamed, sweaty and out of breath. Makoto says, "Eh, you can still do it, right?" and a scowling face.

 Then Shizuku calmly calls a stop.
Makoto, if you suddenly increase the number of times you do this, beginners will get tired. If you don't take moderate breaks, you will get hurt.
Oh, really?" Well, sure, it might be hard to do it with Atashi's tension. ...... Sorry, sorry!"
 When Makoto scratched his head and apologized, the beginners laughed. I have to say, passionate instruction is good, but it's important to be moderate.

 I hurriedly said, "Everyone, stay hydrated!" and open the studio window to change the air. This kind of care is also a leader's job ......, but I was starting to get a little out of breath myself. It's hard work, isn't it?


Step battle, unexpected happenings

 After a short break, the group was divided into beginners and experienced groups to continue practicing. Then Makoto makes an outlandish suggestion.
How about we have a step competition? Let's see who can do the coolest steps!
 The beginner group could not hide their confusion, saying, "Yeah....... They have just started basic training and think it's a burden to suddenly start competing. ......
 But Makoto was not fazed at all. "The beginner group might be surprisingly strong if they can match simple steps and compete through teamwork! she grinned.

 I'm not surprised they got on board with that.Takuya SasakiIt was a kun.
"Sounds interesting ......! So, shall we try something with the beginner group?"
 He is usually quiet, but apparently has a competitive streak and is a bit on fire.
'Well then, since we're here, the experienced group will be represented by Makoto and ...... umm, Shizuku? It could be me or Mayu, but since we're going all this way, I'd like two of the more talented ones to do it!"
 When I suggested it, Makoto said, "That's nice! Makoto immediately replied. Shizuku said, "Oh, me too?" and, momentarily puzzled, said, "Well, okay," and started the preparatory exercise.

 Thus, the "step battle" was hastily started. The beginners' group was to perform the basic steps that they had learned in the video in advance. For the experienced dancers, Makoto and Shizuku improvised some cool moves.

 This was surprisingly exciting. When music was played, the beginner group stomped their feet in unison and lightly raised their hands in rhythm. Although still awkward, they shone as they all struggled to keep in step with each other.
 Makoto and Shizuku, on the other hand, moved with a combination that was well matched and full of energy. The moment Makoto made a big jump and landed, Shizuku made a cool turn. Wow! and "Wow!

 At that moment, however, Makoto again slips from the momentum of her jump and falls into Shizuku's feet!
Whoa!"
Kya......!"
 The two men fall down in a heaping tangle, and for a moment the whole studio is filled with a chill.

 Fortunately, it seems that both only suffered minor scratches, but Shizuku embarrassingly muttered, "Ouch ...... already, Makoto, just momentum again ......," and Makoto said, "Sorry, Shizuku! ......!" and apologized with a bright red face. The beginners around her were worried, "Are you all right? and while worrying, they couldn't help but laugh at the scene.

 It's all very slapstick, but still everyone's laughter and applause echoes through the studio. Yes, this is it.Our CircleI don't know - I don't know.


A moment of collaboration

 After the step battle (?), the beginner group and the experienced group mix and have time to check each other's moves. After the "step competition" was over, the beginners and experienced dancers mixed and spent some time checking each other's moves. Makoto and Shizuku fell on the floor and lightly hit their legs and arms, but did not suffer serious injuries.
Sorry for all the fuss ...... but thanks to everyone for a great time."
 Shizuku looks cool, but actually looks a little embarrassed. Makoto is sad that "I failed again ......," but smiles, "But I'm glad everyone is happy!" Makoto smiles.
 On the other hand, the beginner group, perhaps having experienced the "fun of matching breaths," began to show some motivation, saying, "I want to do a little more choreography! I'd like to try a little more choreography! I was also happy to see them.

 Toward the end of the practice, Saki came up to me and gave me a small bow.
Koharu, thank you for organizing this kind of practice. I was worried at first, but I felt like I made a friend I could work with. ......"
No, no, it's my pleasure too. Let's work together so we can enjoy dancing more!"
 As I extend my hand to her, she nods with a smile. The entire circle was moving forward, little by little, and I could feel it.


Will the camp be realized?

 After practice, Sho, who tabulated the results of the training camp survey, said, "Hey! Everyone listen up for a second!" I call out. He puts his phone on the table and shows the displayed graph.
There are quite a few people who said, "I want to participate! I think we can clear the number of people who are willing to stay two or three days.
Really? Thank goodness. ......"
 Mayu relieved, Makoto said, "Yes! Makoto pumped his fist in the air. Shizuku peeked in with interest, "How many people do you want to join? Shizuku peeked in with interest.
We should be able to get at least 15 people. Now if we can match the available dates with the availability of the camp, we should be able to make a reservation.
'Oooh, it's going to be a lot of fun with that much participation!'

 I also check the faces of the participating members. Five or six people from the beginners' group wrote, "I'll do my best to participate!" I'll try my best to participate! Some of them are not sure about the cost, but if they can make it, they will be able to get a lot of practice.
'Well, do you want to make a formal inquiry?'
 When I suggested it, Sho immediately replied, "I'll take care of it. That's dependable.

 However, even though it is a training camp, there are still many issues to be addressed, such as availability of facilities, transportation costs, and conflicts with part-time work shifts and classes. I need to organize the members' schedules and find a date that allows as many people as possible to attend.
Hmmm, more leadership duties again at ......, but we'll just have to hang in there!"
 I reassure myself as I unfold my notepad. It is in times like these that a leader has to step up to the plate.


Future issues and Koharu's determination

 The beginners are gradually getting used to dancing, and the camp plans are in motion. The medley parts are being created, and Mayu and Sho are working on costumes in earnest.
 But at the same time, a new worry has sprung up.Only a month and a half to go until the show.I'm still not seeing the finished product, even though the time is dwindling fast. I hope we can finish it all at once at the camp, but will we make it in time? ......
I'm not in a hurry. But if we're not careful, it'll all happen so fast. ......"

 That night, after returning home, I reported to Rika-senpai on line.

Koharu: Everyone is rather enthusiastic about the camp! It depends on how the facilities are booked, but I'll try to plan it for 3 days and 2 nights.
Rica Senpai: That's good! It's good to see everyone getting more motivated. Also, it's good to see that the beginner group seems to be having fun too.
Koharu: Yes! I feel like we are making progress little by little.
Rica Senpai: Time is limited, but if you work hard and don't rush, you will make it to the best stage. Have confidence.

 When I read the words of my seniors, I feel strangely lightened of fatigue. Okay, one more effort.
It's tough being a leader, but if you can bring people together like this, it's worth it."


epilogue

 It has been several weeks since I was suddenly given the leadership role that day. We have made it this far, despite many bumps and bruises. I am sure that there will be many problems in the future. But I believe that everyone, including the beginners, will be able to overcome them.
 Culture Festival ProductionOur "steps" are still continuing toward the "next step" - the "next step" to the "next step" to the "next step" to the "next step" to the "next step".

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