Watch Welcome to the Ballroom
- Not Rated
- 2017
- 1 Season
-
7.8 (931)
Welcome to the Ballroom is a Japanese anime television series that premiered in 2017 on the streaming platform, Anime Strike. The show is based on the manga series of the same name by Tomo Takeuchi. The series stars Shinba Tsuchiya as Tatara Fujita, a high school student who discovers his passion for ballroom dancing after meeting a talented dancer, Ayane Sakura as Shizuku Hanaoka, Tatara's dance partner, and Nobuhiko Okamoto as Kiyoharu Hyodo, a top-ranked dancer who becomes Tatara's rival.
The series revolves around Tatara's journey as a novice dancer who wants to become a professional ballroom dancer. Tatara is initially introduced as a shy and introverted high school student who is struggling to find his place in the world. However, after he is introduced to ballroom dancing by chance, Tatara becomes fascinated by the art form and decides to pursue it seriously.
Throughout the show, Tatara faces numerous challenges, both on and off the dance floor. He must overcome his own fears and insecurities as he competes against some of the best dancers in the country. Additionally, Tatara must navigate the complicated social dynamics within the world of ballroom dancing, including fierce rivalries, jealous partners, and manipulative coaches.
One of the strengths of the show is the attention to detail when it comes to the technical aspects of ballroom dancing. The series meticulously depicts the various dance styles, such as the tango, waltz, and foxtrot, and the complex footwork required to execute each one. Additionally, the show explores the physical toll that dancing can take on a person's body, as Tatara and his fellow dancers train rigorously for hours on end.
Beyond the technical aspects of the show, Welcome to the Ballroom is ultimately a character-driven drama. The series explores the personal lives of its main characters, delving into their individual backstories and motivations for pursuing ballroom dancing. Tatara, in particular, serves as a relatable protagonist who is easy to root for as he struggles to find his place in the world. His relationship with his dance partner, Shizuku, is also a highlight of the show, as the two must learn to work together despite their vastly different personalities and dance styles.
The supporting cast of the show is equally compelling, with standout performances from Kentaro Tomita as Gaju Akagi, a talented dancer who is also Tatara's friend and rival, and Sumire Morohoshi as Mako Akagi, Gaju's younger sister and Tatara's occasional dance partner. Each character brings their own unique strengths and weaknesses to the table, adding depth and complexity to the show's overall narrative.
One of the most impressive aspects of Welcome to the Ballroom is the animation. The series is visually stunning, with vivid colors and fluid, graceful movements that make the dance scenes come alive. The animation team pays close attention to the characters' body language and facial expressions, conveying a wide range of emotions through subtle gestures and expressions.
Overall, Welcome to the Ballroom is a must-watch for fans of character-driven dramas and sports anime. The show's attention to detail and nuanced performances make it a standout among its peers, and its exploration of the world of ballroom dancing is both fascinating and entertaining.
Welcome to the Ballroom is a series that ran for 1 seasons (24 episodes) between July 8, 2017 and on Anime Strike