"Just dance, gonna be okay..."

I never really know what to expect when my dance teammates tell me about an upcoming performance. (They tell me in Japanese, which is pretty much why I never know what's going on!)

For some reason, I assumed that the dancing on Saturday would be similar to what we did a couple of weeks ago for the festival in Kuji -- dancing in the street with some people casually observing from the sides. Cool, no problem.

This was not the case. Instead, it turned out to be a competition! With judges. And prize money. And a rather large audience. Oh.

But the surprises didn't end there. The sign on our dressing room door totally threw me off guard...

What!?

Ayaka explained that I was the team captain (when did that happen!?!?), and AGT stood for Amber Girls Team. We have a team name!? And oh, since I was the team captain (have mercy), I'd be dancing front and center. Oh dear. Well, I'm glad I practiced a lot. And would I please also introduce our team in English, followed by Ayaka doing a Japanese introduction? Uh, ok.

Our (my??) team. :) I did actually know ahead of time that we'd be dressed in camo and would be dancing to "Funk Soran."

Ayaka's brother took this video of our dance, so now you can act like you're in the audience and watch us groove...




After we danced, Ayaka (bless her heart) gave me a great big hug and said to me in English, "Dana, you were maaahvelous!!" Haha! I just love that goofy gal!

After all nine dance teams performed, the judges announced that "Dana with AGT" won third place and $200!! Woohoo!!!!

Holding up our certificate and posing with a couple of students who I was surprised to see. The student on the left with the towel is Eiki, probably the biggest class clown at Misaki Jr. High. This is the kid who came up to me in the teachers' room one day, followed by his homies, and said in English, "Dana Sensei. (Pause for effect.) I love you." *gigglegigglegiggle* And then ran away. What a goofball. :)

Anyway, I went back to Noda again last night to walk around the festival and see the fireworks. [Sidenote: I know it seems like all I do these days is go to festivals! I guess it's just that time of year. Not that I'm complaining!]

I'm really proud of this photo:

Ooooh. Ahhh. :)

In front of me were the fireworks, but behind me was the cutest little girl EVER! (And yeah, I'm aware that I say that about every Japanese kid I see.)
But seriously...

I just wanted to take her home with me! I settled on taking a picture instead. :)

Well, peace out for now!