Behind the creation of the “A Better Future Together” dance crew
Three… two… one…
The halftime buzzer rang on day one of the 2023 World University Basketball Series.
Beneath the bleachers and behind the stadium entrance doors stood the 12 members of “A Better Future Together” – ready and focused. The dance crew were seconds away from delivering a passionate halftime show for the crowd gathered at Yoyogi National Stadium Second Gymnasium in Tokyo.
The group had met for the first time just a few weeks prior – but the story and emotions of their adventure together would shine through in the performance and be felt by all in attendance.
The 12 dancers of “A Better Future Together” were chosen at an open-call audition, judged by former NBA dancers, including former Utah Jazz and Detroit Pistons dancer Reiko Ogasawara.
“My hope is that you all will be able to express the spirit of taking on challenges through this dance team,” said Dance Director Reiko during the group’s first official rehearsal.
Each individual brought with them a different dance background, style and life experience. But what they all shared was an openness to embrace challenges and seize opportunities with determination, positivity and mutual respect.
“Unity in Motion” is a new three-part documentary series that captures the story of how the group was formed in a few short weeks in the Summer of 2023.
Meet a few of the dancers below:
Reigniting passion
There was a time when Yuria Mikami grew to hate cheerleading.
“For about a year,” she said, “I even made it so that my pom-poms were never in my sight.”
“I decided at that time that I was completely done with cheerleading.”
“But,” she continued, “the fact that I gave up on my dream of becoming an NBA or NFL cheerleader was really… painful.”
“That’s why I thought that it would be good if this team could help spark my growth again. So I was really determined to join this audition.”
Leading by example
Ayane Iwahashi knows actions speak louder than words.
“I hope that by seeing me taking on challenges,” she said, “whether that’s in cheerleading, dancing or anything else, when my daughter finds something that she wants to do, whatever happens, I want her never to forget this spirit of embracing challenges.”
“And when that time does come for her, I am going to support her with all of my heart.”
Breaking barriers
Since dance teacher Sheena Syal first moved to Japan from the U.S., she encountered cultural differences in the dance scene.
But speaking about joining the “A Better Future Together” dance crew, she noted: “We came together literally three times, and we didn’t know each other at all. But everyone is so nice and friendly. And that, I think, is super impactful.”
“Especially for me as the only foreigner on the team, being accepted into a team but having no obstacle there – beyond my expectations, definitely.”
Never settling
“I had this really strong urge to push myself and get out of my comfort zone,” said competitive cheerleader Nahoko Takahashi.
Nahoko, whose goal is to become an NBA dancer in the future, said: “I want to keep aiming higher and higher.”
“And I want to keep getting better and better. Just like the pros in the NBA, in the midst of it all, they are never satisfied with where they are and always push themselves to grow. I think that attitude is really important.”
Self-reinvention
Reiko Ogasawara’s dance career took her from her hometown in Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan to Tokyo and eventually to the NBA.
After retiring from being an NBA dancer, she traveled solo across the US to conduct dance classes for parents and children – eventually returning to Japan wanting to bring her experience and knowledge to those in the next generation.
“I was actively involved in the NBA, and then that ended,” said Reiko to the group after the halftime show performance.
“And up until that point, I worked really hard for my dreams.”
“And when that ended, the realization that there is this fulfillment and this joy in working for others, that’s something you all taught me.”
For more on the “A Better Future Together” Dance Crew, check out syncSPORTS by Rakuten (in Japanese).
