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

Episode 9: "Turbulence on the Second Day of Training Camp and a Mini-Presentation at Night"

1. on the morning of the second day of the camp, did I oversleep?

　"...... Oh no, we're not going to make it in time for the meeting!"
　It was 6:00 in the morning on the second day of the camp. I jumped off the futon in my room and jumped out of bed. I should have set the alarm on my phone, but apparently I had been so sleep-deprived that I had turned it off without realizing it.
　As I hurried out into the hallway, I found that some of them were already awake and had started stretching or lightly jogging around the dormitory. Among them is beginner group member **Takuya Sasakiand ... andSaki Nakamura** was also there, which made me feel kind of sorry for him.

　Last night, after talking with Makoto outside, I was adjusting my schedule and compiling notes and ended up staying up late. As the leader, I was supposed to organize everyone, but I didn't realize I overslept myself. ......
Koharu, you're up?　Good morning!"
　I emerged from the common space,Mayu SuzukiShe is already wearing her makeup and picking up a light breakfast that she brought with her. She already has her makeup on and is picking up a light breakfast she brought with her.
"...... Oh, good morning. I overslept. ......"
Don't worry," he said. There is still time to start practicing. I'm not ready to move right away either.
　Mayu laughs with an unconcerned expression on her face. Apparently, she is the type of person who does not lose her tension in the morning.

　Relieved, I hurry to the washroom to wash my face. Today.Two-step practicewill be implemented, so Makoto and Shizuku will be confused if we do not follow the schedule. We must get back into the swing of things from here: ......!

2. morning practice, the gym was supposed to be reserved for the whole team...

　It is just before 9:00 a.m. after breakfast. Circle members gather in the gymnasium of the camp. The goal of today's practice is to go through the medley as a whole.
　I stood in front of them as the leader and said, "Well, let's start with warming up! I call out. We all did light stretching and rhythm training, gradually warming up our bodies.

　Then the staff member I spoke to yesterday showed up at the gymnasium. He said, "Good morning. We heard that a band practice group is coming in this afternoon, and they are bringing in their equipment. Please be careful not to disturb them." We looked at each other for a moment.
'We're supposed to have the whole place to ourselves in the morning, right? But do we have to carry in and put the equipment in the gym ......?"
I guess so. Well, I should be able to get a practice space, but maybe I'll give up a little space."
　Makoto shrugs a little anxiously. There are a lot of areas to finish on the second day of the camp, but the space may be tight in the afternoon.
But, well, it's the morning and we're wasting time, so let's get on with it!"
　When I prompted them, they all said, "Right on!" and getting back into the swing of things, I put on some music and start checking the formations.

　The medley consisted of a rock part, a cool part, a K-pop part, and ended with a disco part. Some of the movements were smoother than yesterday, but the beginners still seemed to be at a loss as they could not grasp the timing. Makoto and Shizuku gave them instructions on what to correct each time, but it was extremely difficult for everyone to keep in sync.
　Nevertheless, as everyone kept talking to each other, taking breaks and practicing, they gradually got the gist of things, and the beginners' group was also desperately trying to eat their way through.
"Okay, at this rate, we'll have a rough idea of what we're going to do in the morning. ......?"
　Hope, however slight, began to grow in my heart.

3. afternoon "two-stage practice", another collision?

　After lunch, it was time to begin the biggest highlight of the second day of the camp, the "two-step practice.
　- this morningMatching: Matching throughout.
　- First half of the afternoonBeginners will repeat the basics and choreography. Experienced groups will work on details of staging and formations.
　- eveningThe entire group will meet again to combine the results of the afternoon's work.

　This is the strategy I came up with. The beginner group is.true reasonand ... andcardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)and move to the multipurpose room to concentrate on counting and step practice. Meanwhile,yaoqin (4-stringed Chinese lute)and ... andflightThe experienced performers will remain in the gymnasium to fine-tune their acrobatics and standing positions and check the lighting image.

　However, just after the start of the afternoon,inside a gymnasiumbecame hectic. Groups that had come to practice with their bands began to bring in their equipment, and large speakers and drum sets were being brought in.
Wow, that's a big ......"
I think half the gymnasium is filled with equipment."
　When Makoto and Sho were stunned, a man who appeared to be the leader of the band group bowed and said, "I'm really sorry, I'll borrow your space," but this did not allow them to dance as they wanted.

　What are you going to do?"　Move to another place?"
　When I asked the experienced group, Makoto shrugged, "But the multipurpose room is being used by the beginner group and the studio is already full. ...... Sho also seemed to compromise, saying, "It can't be helped, the place is too small today, but we'll have to make do somehow.

　Eventually, the experienced group started practicing, relegated to about half of the gymnasium. Sho, trying to test his acrobatics in a small area, repeatedly fell to the mat, causing everyone around him to break out in a cold sweat. Makoto shouted, "Hey, that's dangerous! Sho replied, "It can't be helped, this is the only space! Sho responded, "It can't be helped, this is the only space available! A tense mood began to prevail.
This is the time to calm down. ......
　Just as I was about to call out to them, the band began a sound test, or perhaps a loud drum beat, and the noise was so loud that even conversation was impossible.

　In the end, they decide to abandon the acrobatic exercises and switch to checking detailed swings. But Makoto's enthusiasm is running on empty and she looks restless, and Sho seems to be carrying an uncontrollable frustration.
The whole team was beginning to feel a sense of urgency: "We were supposed to raise our level of perfection all at once at this training camp, but .......

4. meanwhile, in the multipurpose room...

　The beginners' group was in the multi-purpose room, where Mayu and Shizuku were teaching them the basics of steps and formations. The space is fairly spacious, but the air conditioning is old and the heat can easily build up.
Ugh ...... hot ......"
But let's do one more rustle through!"
　Mayu's shouts brought out the sweaty, stomping members of the beginner's group.

　There, when I showed up to check on them, they all looked more serious than I expected. Especially.Saki Nakamuraand ... andTakuya Sasakiseems to be moving much better.
Wow, you guys are amazing!"
　I clapped involuntarily, and Saki and Takuya smiled at me a little shyly, chuckling, "We're not there yet .......
I find Shizuku-senpai's counting very easy to understand and helpful. Also, Mayu-senpai is very energetic and manages to get ...... going."
I see, I see, good!"

　I watch everyone's moves with a bit of admiration. Even the beginners are trying their best to make the most of this camp and improve as much as possible. The results of their efforts are surely showing.
Then let's show everyone the fruits of our labor at the evening plenary!"
　When I said this, everyone's faces lit up.

5. in the evening, they finally gather...

　Shortly after 4:00 pm. The beginner and experienced groups gathered in the gymnasium again. The band group had just taken a short break, and now they could dance to the sound.
　I said, "Well, let's match the results of our two-step practice!" but the band equipment was scattered around me, making me uncomfortable. The experienced band members were still frustrated and not smiling much.
I'll just play the sound, okay?"
　Sho sets up his laptop and plays the soundtrack to the medley. Everyone gets into formation and starts dancing - but the whole thing is somehow not quite cohesive.

　In the first half, Makoto's voice is quiet in the rock part and lacks its usual vigor. In the cool part, Shizuku almost made a mistake for a moment and seemed unusually unfocused. The beginners' group was also a little behind in tempo, perhaps not fully realizing the results of their daytime practice.
"Hmmm ...... something doesn't mesh?"
　Mayu stops the song and tilts her head, out of breath. Sho scratches his cheek and pouts, "The air is bad .......

　Then Makoto said, "I don't know, I can't concentrate. I can't concentrate. The sound of the band is bothering me, and the place is too small. ...... I want to dance harder, but I just can't get into it!
I'm sorry ...... Atashi might be getting a little frustrated because the pretense she was filling with the novice group earlier didn't mesh well."
　Shizuku slurred his words, and the novice group also slumped apologetically, saying, "Sorry .......

　After going through the trouble of raising the level of the group through two-step practice, if this evening's meeting does not go well, the motivation of the entire group will drop. I, as the leader of the group, must do something to improve the situation.

Koharu's Idea: "Mini-Presentation" in the evening

　I speak up boldly while everyone else is holding their breath.
I think I'm going to get stressed out with the band if I practice now, so I'm going to cut it short and practice at night.Mini PresentationWhy don't we do a "yes" or "no?"
"Mini Presentation: ......?"
　The members were aghast. I went on to explain.
Since we are here at the camp, how about we show each other what we have worked hard on and what we have finished? The beginners have been practicing in the afternoons, and the more experienced members couldn't move well because of the location, so maybe we can show them off in the evenings.
　For example, only the rock part is shown first, and the other members give feedback. The cool part is presented in the same way. If everyone can check the results of each part together in this way, the awkward atmosphere may be eliminated--this is the idea.

　Sho nodded, "I see. Sho nodded his head and said, "I see." Makoto nodded his head and said, "It would certainly get everyone fired up if we had an 'unveiling' and if it was at night, maybe the band would stop playing. Makoto nodded his head and said, "That sounds good!　Then I can dance properly for once! and her eyes lit up, while the beginner group also whispered, "I want to try it ......!" and the beginners were whispering, "I want to try it !

　The problem is location, but the gymnasium is not available at night, and the multipurpose room is too small. Then a facility employee who was just nearby suggested, "There are restrictions on indoor use after 9:00 p.m., but we can free up some space in the common hall.
"The common hall or ...... isn't that big, but maybe we could do a part-by-part presentation?"
　Mayu and Shizuku nodded at my words, and the tension among the members rose dramatically.

　Thus, in a hurry,Tonight's mini presentationwas decided to be held. On the second day of the camp, after a short break in the room at night, we decided to gather in the common hall for a "part unveiling & feedback" time.

7. evening mini-presentation, start of the slapstick

　It is 8:30 pm. The common hall of the camp is filled with circle members. Everyone has a mixture of anticipation and nervousness on their faces.
　The lighting in the common hall is not that authentic, but there are speakers and a simple microphone that can somehow play the sound source. The floor is not large, but it may be enough for dancing in parts.

　Then let's start with the rock part, shall we?"
　When I called on **Makoto Sato** to act as moderator, he said, "I'll leave it to you!" and raised his hand. The spirit was high, and some of the beginners joined in, saying, "I'll dance with you! and some of the beginners joined in to start the song.

　Although the space was small, Makoto's dynamic movements, jumps, and vigorous performance naturally drew applause. The mistakes and floppiness seen on the first day of the recent training camp have diminished considerably, and the beginner group is also keeping up with the unfamiliar rock style of movement.
I knew Makoto was amazing ......!"
I think we're all starting to catch our breath."
　The members watching whispered to each other, and the final kime pose was met with loud applause. Makoto sniffles and smiles happily. and sniffles, but smiles happily. Afterwards, advice and comments were exchanged from each member, and it seems that the rock part is about to be perfected even further.

8. cool, k-pop, disco...all parts hot

　continuedcool partThe count of each beat is very precise. The count of each beat was clearly defined, as Miyata Shizuku was the main choreographer here. As one of the beginners said, "The count is clear, so it's easy to remember.
　When the dance was over, the place fell silent, followed by an exclamation of "Oh ......!" and then, "Oh, ! The performance was not very glamorous, but it conveyed a sophisticated "cool" charm. Makoto was also frankly amazed, saying, "Wow, that's cool .......

　K-POP Partis a cute and gorgeous choreography conceived by Mayu Suzuki. The girls in the beginners' group were particularly impressive. The audience was excited by Mayu's wink and "kirahn☆" as she made a trendy idol-like face in the middle of the performance. The male members of the group gave an indescribable cheer, "Wooo! and "Killer☆" from the male members.

　And finally.disco partThe performance is a mixture of acrobatics and dance. The acrobatic movements of Sho Ohtani and the other dancers are incorporated into a loose dance routine, causing both laughter and surprise at the same time. The "disco routine" of shaking shoulders and hips was deformed, and Makoto and the other dancers burst into laughter and joined in with the chorus. The space was too small for them to practice, but they seemed to have managed to create a showcase for their moves.

　In this way, all parts perform their dances in turn, and everyone gives feedback to each other in a "mini recital. Sometimes there are serious discussions such as, "Let's make the moves a little more coordinated here," but basically, it's a lively event. The atmosphere that had been so dull was now filled with energy and enthusiasm.
What fun you guys are having. ......!"
　My heart was filled with excitement, and I continued to applaud and join in the applause as the MC. On the second day of the camp, I finally felt the "joy of dancing with friends" return.

9. a showcase for Koharu himself...?

　After all the parts had been performed, a member asked, "By the way, Koharu hasn't danced yet today, has she?" "Why don't you do something as the leader?" The members then asked, "Koharu, you haven't danced yet today, have you?
What, w-w-was it me? No, I was just supporting everyone's production. ......"
　I was puzzled, but Makoto and Shizuku said, "Since you're here, why don't you dance and show us Koharu's production plan and the connecting parts! They suggested. In fact, the idea I had for the "scene change" in the middle part of the medley had not yet taken shape, and I had only given them an idea of what I wanted to do.

　"...... Well, I'll give it a whirl!"
　I boldly stood in the center of the common hall and asked them to play a few dozen seconds of the transition part of the medley of songs. There were no lights or large-scale movements, but I danced the choreography I had devised, such as the "hands up" and "turns "** to create the moment when the formation changes.
　When they finished dancing, they said, "Oh, that's good, that's good! It's funny how they stand in the center and signal before and after the song changes! and applause.

　What made me happiest was that everyone kept saying, "Koharu can dance, too! I was so happy to hear that Koharu could dance, too. Of course, it is natural for me to be a member of a dance circle, but I had been concentrating on being a leader for so long that I had only had the image of being a "organizer.
Now, if we can clearly choreograph the connecting parts, it might tighten up the overall flow."
Looking good, Koharu!"
　Makoto and Shizuku gave a thumbs up together, and Sho and Mayu also applauded with smiles. My cheeks flushed, but I realized once again that dancing is fun after all.

10. night after night... more unity

　After the mini presentation, everyone formed a large circle and said, "Let's do our best again tomorrow! and "Let's do it again tomorrow! The moment is a mixture of applause, smiles, and the smell of sweat,The heat of the camp is truly unique to the camp.It was wrapped in a
　Saki, a member of the beginners' group, was impressed, saying, "I'm surprised I was able to dance like that today. ......," and Takuya was enthusiastic, saying, "With this, I may be able to improve even more by the time the show is over! Takuya was also enthusiastic, "If this is the case, maybe I can improve even more before the show! Makoto said, "Tomorrow, I'm going to perfect my acrobatics! Shizuku coolly took notes, "Let's go over the counting points again. Mayu's eyes lit up as she said, "I've got a better idea of what I want to wear! Mayu's eyes lit up as she said, "I've got even more ideas for the costumes! Sho was in high spirits.

　As the leader, I felt great relief to see everyone smiling. On the evening of the second day of the camp, there was some discord in the air, but I feel that this mini-presentation brought the whole team back together again.
Tomorrow is the last day of the camp. Let's work hard until the end!"
　I myself am tired, but I feel a surge of motivation. As long as we are all connected, we will be fine - I think to myself as I gradually clear the floor of the common hall.

epilogue

　By late evening, each person has returned to his or her room to shower and prepare for bed, but the beginners' group is doing a small independent practice in their rooms, and Makoto and Shizuku are also apparently working on their plans. On the morning of the last day, the whole group is scheduled to practice again as a whole.
　step-by-stage--As they said, step by step, we continue to move forward toward the festival stage. Our steps are definitely getting stronger.