The appeal and reviews of "Welcome to the Ballroom": A coming-of-age story depicting the world of dance

Welcome to the Ballroom: Passion and Challenge in the World of Dance

Welcome to the Ballroom is a TV anime series based on the manga of the same name by Tomo Takeuchi, which aired from July 8 to December 16, 2017. The 24-episode series is available on MBS, TOKYO MX, and BS11, with each episode running for 30 minutes. Animation was handled by Production IG and directed by Masami Itatsu. Copyright belongs to Tomo Takeuchi, Kodansha, and Ogasawara Dance Studio.

story

The story of "Welcome to the Ballroom" begins with the protagonist, a young boy named Fujita Tamuo, stepping into the world of dance. Influenced by his father, Tamuo becomes interested in dance and begins attending a local dance studio, Ogasawara Dance Studio. Together with the unique friends he meets there, he hones his dancing skills and aims to compete in national competitions.

The story follows Tamao as he learns the basics of dance and grows as he pairs up with various partners. In particular, the story centers on his relationship with Shiratori Chiaki, a female dancer who becomes his partner, and movingly depicts how the two grow while helping each other improve. Also not to be missed are scenes that realistically depict the competition with rivals and the rigors and beauty of dance.

character

The appeal of "Welcome to the Ballroom" lies in its unique characters. The main characters are introduced below.

Tamo Fujita

The main character is a boy who jumps into the world of dance, and although he is a beginner, he continues to take on challenges with passion. Tamao's growth and passion for dance are at the center of the story.

Chiaki Shiratori

A female dancer who becomes Tamao's partner. Although she has a talent for dance, she is unable to escape from the trauma of her past. Chiaki's growth and her relationship with Tamao are key elements of the story.

Haruki Ogasawara

A teacher at Ogasawara Dance Studio. He is strict but has a warm, caring attitude towards his students. The story depicts how Tamao and his friends grow through Haruki's guidance.

Maruyama Mai

A female dancer who becomes Tamao's rival. With both dancing talent and beauty, she inspires Tamao and the others. Mai's presence adds tension to the story.

Animation and Music

The animation of "Welcome to the Ballroom" is a testament to Production IG's high level of technical skill. The dance scenes are realistic and beautiful, making for a visual treat. The characters' expressions and movements are also well-directed, conveying their emotions.

The music also adds to the appeal of the work. The opening theme, "10% roll, 10% romance," is performed by UNISON SQUARE GARDEN and is an up-tempo song that evokes the passion of dance. The ending theme, "Swing heart direction," is sung by Takao Yuki, and its gentle melody enhances the moving story. The background music also builds up to match the dance scenes, stirring the emotions of the viewer.

Evaluation and Impressions

"Welcome to the Ballroom" has been highly praised for its realistic portrayal of the world of dance. In particular, the high quality of the dance scenes and the carefully drawn storyline that depicts the character growth have won support from viewers. The show has also been praised for its realistic portrayal of the rigors and beauty of dance.

My impression is that it's a work that can be enjoyed even by those who aren't interested in dance. Through the story of Tamao and Chiaki's growth, viewers can see their own challenges and growth. In addition, the show depicts various human dramas, such as competition with rivals, friendship, and romance, making it enjoyable for a wide range of people.

Recommended points

Here are some reasons why we recommend Welcome to the Ballroom:

• Realistic dance scenes : Thanks to Production IG's technical capabilities, you can enjoy realistic and beautiful dance scenes. The emotions are conveyed through the dance movements and facial expressions.
• Character Growth : The growth of the main character, Tamao, and his partner, Chiaki, is carefully depicted, allowing the viewer to empathize with their challenges and growth.
• Human Drama : The story depicts various human dramas, such as rivalry, friendship, and love, making it a captivating storyline for viewers.
• Music : The opening, ending, and background music all feature music that enhances the appeal of the work and stirs the emotions of the viewer.

Related information

The original work of "Welcome to the Ballroom" is a manga by Tomo Takeuchi, serialized in Kodansha's "Morning". Prior to its anime adaptation, a live-action movie was released in 2015. In addition, even after its anime adaptation in 2017, a sequel to the original work has been announced, which has become a hot topic among fans.

Other works depicting the world of dance include the Pretty Rhythm series and the KING OF PRISM series. These works also depict the beauty and passion of dance, and are recommended for fans of Welcome to the Ballroom.

summary

"Welcome to the Ballroom" is a work that depicts the growth and challenges of young people who are passionate about the world of dance. It combines various elements such as realistic dance scenes, character growth, human drama, and music to create a story that draws viewers in. It is a work that is recommended not only for those who are interested in dance, but also for those who like stories of growth and human drama. Please give it a watch.