Welcome to the Ballroom (ボールルームへようこそ)

OGASAWARA DANCE STUDIO

One, two, three.

One, two, three.

And natural turn.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Why is Tatara-kun in a group lesson?

He insists he wants to do couple practice.

He should just invite Chinatsu-chan.

Seems like he's been asking her every day, but getting turned down each time.

Are couple practices this tiring?

That depends on the person.

I kinda feel like I won't ever be able to get paired up.

Even a girl like Hiyama-san can lead that good,

but I'm a guy and I can't?

Oh, yes! Tatara-kun, there's something I want to show you.

Huh?

There's two girls dancing together along with the normal couples!

I think Chinatsu-chan was probably doing this.

How come they're both girls?

Well, it's because more girls want to start dancing when they're young,

so there's not enough boys.

These pairs can't enter the regular adult competitions though.

All my friends from my junior days quit after not being able to pair up too.

The reason why Chinatsu-chan's so good at leading and not following

may be because she's been leading a lot in the past.

Ahhh! I'm gonna be late!!

Thank you very much!

I wonder what's with Tatara-kun?

It looks like he started a part-time job. He wants to pay for his own lessons.

Really...

What an adult.

HEAT 14- COUPLED

I need this. I don't need this.

Oh, my heel covers are worn out.

I need to replace them.

Wait, I'm not gonna dance anymore! Who cares!

You still haven't packed everything?

You don't need dance shoes anymore. Give them all to Komoto-san.

Their younger girl started dancing too, so I'm sure they'll need it.

But maybe I'll wanna dance sometime...

Quit changing your mind.

You're the one who wanted to quit, so that's why we left the dance studio.

What? You wanna go again?

No!

I'm gonna hang out with my friends and be normal in high school!

Hey? This song...

I could use this in the Samba.

Today, I am here at...

Whatcha do that for, Sis?!

What's the matter, Chinatsu?

If I knew I was gonna feel like this,

I shouldn't have casually went to that studio...

STORE HOURS

Hi, come on in!

-This appetizer's for table No. 2, okay? -Yes, sir!

You ready? Should we call the waiter?

May I have your order?

Can I wash that?

The restrooms are that way.

H-He's sure considerate...

Is there something to do...?

No, no! You can relax.

He's standing so sharply.

What's he looking at?

You have such great posture. Do you do some kind of sport?

Y-Yes...

Hey, Akira. Don't mess with Tatara-kun.

Sorry, Dad.

Oh, this is my house.

That reminds me, Tatara-kun is a freshman same as you.

Oh, so we're the same age.

Hey. Tatara-kun, what kind of sport do you do?

U-Um...

C-Competitive dance...

Ha, I knew it! You've got a different aura than most people!

I do competitive dance too!

You too?!

Yeah, since the juniors.

This year, I'm entering the Grand Prix with a new partner.

Wow!

But we're having a hard time matching up our moves.

Yeah, I know! I know!

At my recent couple practice too...

Hello?

Huh?

Ah!

Chinatsu, come on in!

How come you're here?!

Huh? You two know each other?

She's that ex-partner from earlier.

Ah, from your junior days!

I brought some hand-me-downs for your little sister.

Thank you for your consideration of the poor.

Though, we may not use it.

What?

She may give up...

What's up with these two's vibe?

Just like you, Chinatsu.

Scary.

By the way, is it true you got harassed by some old man at a matchmaking?

That's none of your business!

The guy I'm paired with now sucks more than you.

You! How could you say that about your...

Hey, I'm just complimenting you.

Your lead was seriously good.

Oh, but the person to lead you can't be a poor leader.

Since you suck at following, Chinatsu.

You never gave me the partner's role, so you can't talk.

Well, I'm more feminine and shorter than you.

Oh yeah,

come cheer for us at September's Grand Prix in Sendai.

We're planning on making the semifinals to aim for Mikasa's seed!

Really. You aim for the Mikasa?

The partner who always relied on me to lead her like a dog on a leash?

I'm not gonna go cheer for you.

'Cause I'll be entering the Grand Prix with Tatara.

Huhhhh?

Who says?!

We'll shove you guys aside and enter the Mikasa Cup!

Tatara... see you at the studio tomorrow.

Dear Hanaoka-san. It looks like I'm a guy who gets carried away easily.

With no reason to decline this sudden offer,

I became coupled with Hiyama-san.

COUPLE REGISTRATION

A leader who can't lead, and a partner who's bad at following...

It's the worst combination.

Okay, gimme a smile!

In two weeks, we'll be entering a novice match.

Hey, they got together.

So that... I can stand on the same floor as you.

COMPETING!!

KINSHICHO STATION

Let's do our best to work as one today!

Okay, Chi-chan!

I gotta hurry and get up to the Grand Prix so I can see Aki's sorry face.

Once I'm a D-class, I'll be another step closer to my promise with Hanaoka-san.

This is the place.

Huh?

The comp's on the 8th floor here?

The competitors' age range is pretty wide, huh?

Well, since the B, C, D-classes are all held together.

Here! This is our number today.

There's two of the same digits as the Tenpei Cup!

It must be a good sign!

Oh, so this is the floor?

There's a bunch of super sharp old men out there...

Well, the B-classes are pretty good.

Pretty good?!

But they're better than the Tenpei Cup dancers...

There's 12 pairs entering the novice match...

That means we just need to get in 2nd place to become a D-class!

What did she just say?

The C-class Standard, Waltz competition will now begin.