Street Dance Club H2O, based at Tokyo Tech, is a vibrant hub for students passionate about dance. Offering a diverse range of street dance genres, including HipHop, Pop, Break, House, Waack, and Lock, H2O provides a welcoming space for dancers of all skill levels. Approximately equal numbers of men and women participate, and a remarkable 90% of new members join as beginners, eager to explore the world of dance. Newcomers are encouraged to sample different styles before choosing a primary genre to focus on throughout the year. Skill development is fostered through classes led by experienced senior members, primarily the club leaders of each genre. From their second year onwards, members have the exciting option to expand their horizons and engage with a second dance genre, and some dedicated individuals even immerse themselves in three!
Image alt text: H2O Dance Club logo showcasing diverse street dance styles including Hip Hop, Popping, Breaking, House, Waacking, and Locking, inviting new members to join.
Practice sessions take place in various mirrored spaces across the Ookayama Campus, such as in front of the iconic 70th Anniversary Auditorium and within the dedicated club room, providing ideal environments for honing technique and perfecting routines. As performances approach, practice locations expand to accommodate the scale and specific needs of upcoming shows.
Diverse Dance Styles and Practice Approaches at H2O
H2o Dance Club embraces the unique character of each dance genre, reflected in their diverse practice styles. In Hip Hop sessions, dancers begin with foundational elements like stretches and isolations, then delve into rhythmic training, focusing on “down” rhythms, refining techniques, and learning dynamic choreography. Pop dance practice quickly transitions from basic drills to exhilarating improvised dance battles known as cyphers, encouraging spontaneity and creativity. H2O members are also encouraged to broaden their dance perspectives by participating in external dance groups, bringing fresh knowledge and skills back to the club to continually innovate and evolve H2O’s unique dance style trends. This cross-pollination of ideas keeps the club dynamic and at the forefront of student street dance.
Image alt text: Energetic street dance performance by H2O Dance Club members on wooden stage at Tokyo Tech Festival, showcasing dynamic choreography and audience engagement.
Performance and Showcase Opportunities Galore
H2O Dance Club provides numerous platforms for members to showcase their talents and passion. Beyond Tokyo Tech community events like the garden party, Wakaba Festival, Taki Fes, and the renowned Tokyo Tech Festival, H2O actively participates in events organized by the Kanto University Students Association “Sigma,” expanding their reach and performance experience. Throughout the year, H2O typically stages between three to six club performances, with a highlight being the spectacular farewell performance each October. This emotional event features graduating members displaying the culmination of their dance journey with H2O, a testament to years of dedication and growth.
Image alt text: H2O Dance Club stage performance at Tokyo Tech Festival, featuring diverse group of dancers in coordinated costumes executing synchronized street dance routine.
Performances at H2O events are diverse, featuring genre-specific showcases highlighting the unique styles of Hip Hop, Pop, Break, House, Waack, and Lock. Additionally, special volunteer teams create and perform unique dance pieces, adding variety and creative exploration to the shows. H2O club events are a blend of structured showcases and thrilling dance battles. Battles are improvisational dance competitions where dancers showcase their skills to music spun by a DJ, judged in a tournament format by alumni, with prizes awarded to the winners. These battles are always a high-energy and exciting part of the H2O experience.
Leading up to major performances like the farewell show, Tokyo Tech Festival, and new student welcome events, H2O members participate in intensive training camps. These camps, lasting four days and three nights at facilities equipped with dance studios, provide focused practice time and foster deeper bonds among members through recreational activities and BBQs, strengthening the club’s close-knit community.
The collaborative process of preparing for performances, figuring out the best dance approaches, and working together towards a shared goal culminates in an incredible sense of achievement for H2O members. The joy of performing and hearing the cheers of the audience is a unique and exhilarating experience that H2O Dance Club provides.
Image alt text: Group photo of smiling H2O Dance Club members celebrating victory at on-campus dance event, showcasing teamwork and celebratory club atmosphere.
Become a “Choreo”: Shape H2O’s Dance Vision
Within H2O Dance Club, the “choreo,” or choreographer, plays a vital role as the team representative responsible for selecting music and crafting choreography for showcases. While genre leaders and deputy leaders often take on this leadership position, H2O fosters a culture of empowerment, and even first-year students have the opportunity to become “choreo” for volunteer team activities, encouraging early leadership and creative contribution.
The process of song and choreography selection is unique to each “choreo.” Some may engage in extensive discussions and collaborative brainstorming, while others might make swift, decisive choices, showcasing the diversity of leadership styles within the club. Many new members join H2O as beginners, gain experience, and progress to become “choreo,” particularly for showcases, highlighting the club’s commitment to nurturing talent from within.
International Exchange and Cross-University Connections
H2O Dance Club extends its welcoming arms beyond Tokyo Tech, inviting students from other universities to join its dynamic community. The universal language of dance makes it easy for even short-term foreign exchange students to participate and feel included. Interacting and dancing with students from Japanese universities and international students from diverse backgrounds across Europe, Asia, and beyond offers invaluable opportunities for language exchange and building connections with people from all walks of life, enriching the H2O experience beyond dance.
Beyond genre-specific practices, H2O members socialize across genres during club-wide events and when collaborating on club roles. While dance naturally encourages self-awareness and a healthy competitive spirit, H2O maintains a bright, friendly, and supportive atmosphere, fostering a strong sense of community among its diverse members.
A Message to Aspiring Dancers
Image alt text: H2O Dance Club event at 70th Anniversary Auditorium, showcasing stage setup with club banner and excited audience awaiting performance results.
By collaborating with fellow members to create and perform dances, joining H2O Dance Club provides a unique opportunity to experience the collective joy of working towards a shared goal. With a large and active membership, joining H2O is also a fantastic way to expand your social circle and build lasting friendships. Dance is a physically engaging hobby that many fall in love with, offering a perfect balance to the demands of academic study and research-intensive university life. Don’t miss out on the exciting possibilities that university life offers – H2O Dance Club invites you to seize those opportunities.
Members join H2O for a multitude of reasons, from seeking new friendships and wanting to dance seriously to sharing their love of dance with others. The collaborative journey of creating a single showcase together is incredibly rewarding, and the thrill of performance provides a sense of accomplishment unlike any other. With a diverse group of individuals united by a passion for dance, H2O welcomes anyone with even the slightest interest to come join the fun and discover the world of street dance.
Club Overview
- Club name: Street Dance Club H2O
- Established: 2008
- No. of members: 59 (as of January 2023)
- Activity days: Monday & Thursday 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Published: April 2023
Contact
Public Relations Division, Tokyo Institute of Technology
Email [email protected]
