#Japan #Tokyo #DJ KOO #Tezukayama #DCC 2023

Tezukayama Gakuin High School Wins the 2023 DCC

On August 29, 2023, the 13th edition of the Dance Club Championship (DCC), organized by Avex Entertainment, took place at the renowned Tokyo Garden Theater, where Tezukayama Gakuin High School was crowned the ultimate champion. Out of 185 participating teams, 36 made it to the finals through rigorous preselection rounds, culminating in an exhilarating display of creativity and passion for dance.

Highlights from the Event

The finals were divided into two phases: the first stage involved block selections, leading to the final showdown featuring ten outstanding teams. Tezukayama Gakuin High School not only showcased spectacular performances but also delivered a heartfelt narrative through their dance, which the judges, including chief judge KENZO, described as a symbol of the zenith of high school dance.

KENZO expressed admiration for the top ten teams, stating, "This performance was filled with the students' identity, passion for the stage, and the wonderful memories shared with their peers and mentors. It was nothing short of a dance version of Koshien, showcasing the highest echelon of talent in high school dance," capturing the spirit of youth and dedication.

Special Guests and Performances

Adding to the ambiance, actress Rikka Iharu, a former DCC participant who once wowed audiences with the viral 'Bubbly Dance,' graced the event as a special ambassador. Exile NAOTO also turned heads as the special MC, rallying support for these aspiring dancers. Another highlight was DJ KOO, who celebrated his 45th year in the field, performed alongside high school teams, and presented the new DJ KOO award to Katsushika High School for their spirit-lifting performance.

The crowd was also electrified by performances from the dance league avex ROYALBRATS, alongside the theme song performed by Tombo Co-op and the idol group "Boku ga Mitakatta Aozora" featuring Nao Yagi, further building excitement and energy throughout the day.

The championship provided a platform for these talented youth to shine, and viewers can catch the event highlights streamed on various TV channels.

Awards and Honors

Tezukayama Gakuin High School secured the championship with their performance titled "Dear Mum," earning a perfect score of 80 points. Other winners included Shuin High School, which took second place, and Meiji University High School, rounding out the top three. Notably, numerous additional awards, including the DJ KOO award and audience favorite trophies, highlighted the breadth of creativity displayed throughout the competition.

Summary of Finalists

• - Champion: Tezukayama Gakuin High School, 80 pts (Expression: 52, Technique: 21, Originality: 7)
• - 2nd Place: Shuin High School, 80 pts (Expression: 50, Technique: 21, Originality: 9)
• - 3rd Place: Meiji University High School, 77 pts (Expression: 48, Technique: 25, Originality: 4)
• - DJ KOO Award: Katsushika High School
• - Audience Award: Meiji Gakuin High School
• - Best Storytelling Award: Hosoda Gakuen High School

The DCC Experience

The Dance Club Championship (DCC) is Japan's largest high school dance competition, founded in 2013, providing aspiring dancers across the nation an opportunity to compete not only technically but also in themes that encourage expression and creativity. This competition embodies the spirit of youth and dance, akin to a summer tournament of high school sports.

For more information, visit the official website: DCC Official Site.