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The Exciting Path to the 13th National High School Dance Club Championship

The 13th edition of the National High School Dance Club Championship (DCC), spearheaded by Avex Entertainment, is on the verge of unveiling its most thrilling finals yet. Having made strides across Japan, the championship has seen numerous schools showcase their exceptional dance talent. This year, 36 teams will battle for the coveted title, with the finals set to take place at the renowned Tokyo Garden Theater on August 29.

Following the online qualifying round conducted on July 13, a total of 20 teams have secured their spots in the finals, while last year's seeded schools and other qualifying teams will round out the competition with a rich variety of dance performances. This year’s event has several exciting enhancements, including the introduction of the new DJ KOO Award, aimed at promoting creativity and enthusiasm among high school dancers.

A Dance Showcase at the Sacred Grounds

The competitive atmosphere of the finals is set to light up the Tokyo Garden Theater, known as a venerated venue within the dance community. On August 29, all 36 qualifying teams will not only perform but also collaborate in the LEADERS SHOWCASE segment, where leaders of each team unite to create a single piece, exemplifying camaraderie and artistic unity. Moreover, the DJ TIME segment provides an opportunity for all groups to come together and celebrate their shared passion for dance.

New Awards to Inspire Participants

To further motivate the participants, the DCC has introduced special recognition awards that celebrate the essence of youth through various creative themes. This year is particularly notable with the establishment of the DJ KOO Award, honoring the contributions made by DJ KOO, a respected leader in the Japanese dance music scene. This award will be presented to the school displaying commendable spirit and energy, echoing the mission of bringing generations together through dance.

Fostering New Friendships at the After Party

The DCC not only focuses on the competition but also emphasizes the importance of fostering relationships and community among participants. In response to requests from schools wishing to enhance communication and friendships, the DCC team has organized an after-party scheduled for August 30, the day following the finals. This event aims to create a friendly environment where students from different schools can bond and share their experiences, strengthening their ties through the love of dance.

About the DCC

Established in 2013, the National High School Dance Club Championship is Japan’s largest contest dedicated to high school dance clubs. Unlike traditional dance competitions that may focus solely on technical skill, the DCC emphasizes expressive power, creativity, and collaboration through its unique judging criteria that requires participants to convey themes through their performances.

The upcoming DCC 2025 will kick off with regional qualifiers starting June 8 in Kyushu, followed by rounds in Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, and Kansai. All teams showcasing their talent will ultimately converge at the national finals in Tokyo. The results of this year’s online qualifying round were broadcasted live via YouTube, culminating in the selection of 36 schools that will compete for the championship title.

The top three teams from the online qualifiers have already made their mark with compelling thematic performances:
1. Kwansei Gakuin High School - Guardian: A narrative of resilience amidst adversity.
2. Toyoda Otani High School - Curse of Summer: A tale of a girl entwined in her emotions, battling a fearsome foe.
3. Kansai Okura High School - My Way: An inspiring journey towards self-discovery despite oppression.

With anticipation building for the finals, the DCC is poised to remain a beacon of youth creativity and athleticism, showcasing Japan’s vibrant dance culture. For further details, you can visit the official DCC site here.