Thrilling High School Dance Battles Conclude in Kansai
The passion for dance shone brightly at the recent MyNavi HIGH SCHOOL DANCE COMPETITION 2026 WEST vol.3, held on February 22nd and 23rd at the Purple Hall and the Higashi-Osaka Cultural Creation Center in Osaka. This exhilarating event determined the two schools that will advance to the grand finals, set for April 18th, 2026. This prestigious competition celebrates the incredible talent and dedication of high school dance teams across Japan.
A Platform for Aspiring Dancers
The MyNavi HIGH SCHOOL DANCE COMPETITION, established in 2015, has grown to become a significant event in the dance community. This year marks its 11th installment, showcasing hard-working students from various high schools participating in a contest that goes beyond just dancing; it’s about expressing their youth and creativity through this vibrant art form. The competition began at the local level and has seen considerable expansion, now including regional preliminary rounds across five areas: Kanto, Kansai, Tohoku, Chubu, and Kyushu.
Winners of WEST vol.3
SMALL Division Winner: Da・luce from Daishogakuen High School
Team Da・luce expressed immense joy upon winning, a significant achievement after previously finishing as runners-up in both WEST vol.1 and vol.2. Embracing a new team dynamic and innovative choreography, they dedicated themselves to this victory and are excited to enhance their performance further for the upcoming national finals.
LARGE Division Winner: Zodiac from Kyoto Bunkyo High School
With heartfelt gratitude, the members of Zodiac shared their excitement about winning the LARGE division. Aiming to perform at the prestigious Ryogoku Kokugikan, they acknowledged the support from their seniors, coaches, and families as instrumental in their journey. They are determined to showcase their unique identity in the finals.
Notable Performances and Results
In the SMALL division, other notable schools included:
- - 2nd Place: Baika High School with Litlux (4,000 points)
- - 3rd Place: Osaka Prefectural Tuki no Ki High School with Break Surfer (3,000 points)
- - 4th Place: Osaka Prefectural Ikaoka High School with Naccy ll (2,000 points)
- - 5th Place: Kyoto Gakuakan High School with ilnerodelfino (1,000 points)
In the LARGE division, impressive schools included:
- - 2nd Place: Kyoto Seibo Gakuin High School with luminous (4,000 points)
- - 3rd Place: Nara City Ichijo High School with Abyssral (3,000 points)
- - 4th Place: Osaka Sangyo University High School with BUDAHLIA (2,000 points)
- - 5th Place: Osaka Prefectural Mino High School with 80ogie sturm (1,000 points)
Awards for excellence recognized individual skills and creativity, with various special awards allocated to teams based on different categories such as skill, choreography, and visual impact.
Upcoming Events
The excitement is set to continue as the competition moves toward the finals on April 18, 2026. The winning teams from each preliminary round will come together to battle for the title of Japan's best high school dance team, a crowning achievement for any aspiring dancer.
For more information about MyNavi HIGH SCHOOL DANCE COMPETITION and upcoming events, visit the official website:
MyNavi Competition.
This series not only promotes competitive spirit, but it’s also a platform for fostering camaraderie and passion among young dancers, pushing them towards excellence and performance mastery. As the competition unfolds, the excitement only grows, with everyone keenly awaiting the finals, where dreams will transform into stunning realities.