It has been 30 years since I started teaching cheer dance to seniors. About 300 people, mainly in their 50s and 60s, gather at classes spread across the Tokyo metropolitan area. Many continue for a long time, and some are in their 80s. Everyone hones their dancing under the motto “safe, fun, and beautiful.”

Cheer dance is a team sport

Cheer dance is a team sport where you dance with pom-poms in hand. It involves not only full-body exercise but also using your mind to learn the routines. It also requires communication skills with teammates. This helps extend healthy life expectancy.

I started dancing when I was two years old. I was influenced by my older sister, who attended ballet classes. During my school years, I was active in the dance-oriented baton twirling club. When I attended that high school, I won a national competition. I was put in charge as the club leader.

The growth of seniors is a joy for the instructor

My connection with seniors began in my third year of college. A woman in her 60s asked me, “I want you to teach me dance.” Since I was a student, it was probably easy for her to ask me.

From the perspective of a young person in their early 20s, the women were “completely like grandmothers.” But when I taught them, I was surprised at how quickly they could learn new movements. I felt an unknown potential. Watching the women’s progress, I myself became hooked on the joy of teaching seniors.

Of course, the teaching method differs from that for young people or children. As you age, your body does not move as your mind commands. Instead of just showing a demonstration dance, I provide detailed verbal explanations of how to shift your center of gravity and move your hands. Most importantly, it is crucial not to overdo it and get injured.

Highly evaluated internationally

There are several students over 80 years old…

Tokyo metropolitan area

The Tokyo metropolitan area, often referred to as Greater Tokyo, is the most populous urban area in the world, comprising Tokyo proper and its surrounding prefectures. Historically, the region grew from the small fishing village of Edo into the political and cultural capital of Japan after the Tokugawa shogunate established its government there in the early 17th century. Following the Meiji Restoration in 1868, it was renamed Tokyo and rapidly modernized, surviving the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and devastating World War II bombings to become a global hub of technology, finance, and culture.

ballet

Ballet is a highly technical form of performance dance that originated in the Italian Renaissance courts of the 15th century and later developed into a concert dance form in France and Russia. It gained prominence under King Louis XIV, who founded the Académie Royale de Danse in 1661, establishing the foundations of classical ballet technique. Over centuries, ballet evolved through distinct eras like Romanticism and Neoclassicism, with iconic works such as *Swan Lake* and *The Nutcracker* becoming cultural treasures worldwide.

baton twirling

Baton twirling is a performance art that combines dance, gymnastics, and the manipulation of a metal rod, with roots in military drum majors and marching bands from the late 19th century. It evolved into a competitive sport in the mid-20th century, with organized events like the World Baton Twirling Championships beginning in the 1980s. Today, it is practiced globally, often featuring intricate tosses, spins, and choreography in parades and competitions.

high school

A high school is an educational institution typically serving students in grades 9 through 12, preparing them for higher education or careers. The modern concept of high schools originated in the United States during the early 19th century, with the first public high school, Boston English High School, established in 1821. Today, high schools are a fundamental part of secondary education worldwide, shaping adolescents’ academic and social development.

national competition

The “National Competition” likely refers to a specific event or venue, such as a national competition center or competition-related cultural site. For example, the National Competition Center in China has hosted major events like the National Games, showcasing athletic excellence and cultural exchange. Its history often ties to national development, promoting sportsmanship and unity through organized competitions.

college

A college is an educational institution that typically offers undergraduate programs, often focused on liberal arts or specialized fields, and can be part of a larger university or independent. Historically, colleges emerged in medieval Europe, such as the University of Paris in the 12th century, evolving from religious schools to centers of higher learning. Today, they serve as foundational stepping stones for students’ academic and professional development.