Welcome to the Ballroom (ボールルームへようこそ)

What time is it?

It's about 2 p.m. They're on the team match's semifinals.

The Standard's A-class match is from 3 p.m.

I was surprised, because I saw the Kugimiya pair on the competitors list!

So they returned to competitions. I wonder if they're here to tune-up?

FUJITA

Tatara, c'mere for a sec.

I'll draw your eyebrows.

We will now begin the Tokyo Metropolitan DanceSport Tournament.

HEAT 18- COMPETITOR NO. 13

The Tango, 1st Heat.

Good day.

That dress looks awesome.

It looks strong, right?

Hey, Tatara.

You know the line in manga

where protagonists say their blood boils before a match or recital?

-That must be a lie. -Huh?

Maybe if it's a sport to defeat the other opponent.

But for dancing, we're judged in front of a large crowd

and get pierced by their eyes.

It feels so damn cold, I'm getting chills down my spine.

So Chi-chan gets the chills too...

But we're gonna win this, so we can't be screwing up at the start.

Right now, we're a D-class...

We're unknown and we haven't been paired for long.

From the audience's standpoint, we're at the bottom of this stage.

We're gonna turn the tables on every last one of these couples here.

A-class competition, 1st Qualifying Round. The Waltz, 1st Heat.

Turn the tables on every last pair, huh?

True...

Ah... It's begun!

Stretch your neck. Drop your shoulders.

For the waltz... you smile!

Fifty-five pairs have entered the metropolitan tournament A-class match.

The first round consists of five heats

and only 36 out of 55 pairs can enter the second round.

After the third round and semifinals, six pairs compete in the finals.

No. 13, good expression. Good hold.

Okay, next.

Let's see how many will be chosen from this heat.

No. 6, their count's off.

No. 21's hold is too small.

I'd prefer the younger competitors to move up.

-Hey, that waltz... -Yeah.

-I didn't like the music. -My body was stiff.

Huh? What do ya mean? Did you even warm up?!

I'm bad at competitions.

What are you saying at this point?!

Kugimiya!

Idogawa!

Those type of dancers who give off a refined aura always last until the finals.

On the other hand, the ones dropped are the unknown, boring, or struggling pairs.

But for us, you have a nice hold, so we should easily get marks for that.

That's if we catch the judges' eyes.

The next dance is the Tango.

The 1st Heat.

Oh...

They're gonna crash!

Crap!

They're watching...

Tatara?

Next... No...

After the next measure...

Hey...!

Don't rush me, Chi-chan!

It's 'cause you're too slow!

A sequence of spins with varied speeds. Interesting choreography.

I wonder who No. 13's coach is?

Applause? That's not necessary!

They only drew attention from pausing on the floor!

They all gave them marks? So the dance itself is being evaluated?!

The two that were a mess three months ago?!

Does Tatara-kun look a little different?

The 2nd Heat.

But honestly, he still has the image of not being able to stand up to Chinatsu.

He's a bit unreliable as a leader...

What the hell was that pause back there!

Were you shaken up 'cause you got bumped?!

I was gonna move on the next measure!

Huh? I dunno about that!

Don't kick me!

There's no time to be waiting!

Of course everyone's gonna stare if you stop!

Tatara-kun's able to talk back now?!

What's happened to those two?

I'll tell you this because today might be our last match.

If you get overwhelmed by the match and can't dance, I'm not gonna tag along.

This match... I'm serious about it.

So am I!

Hey, aren't those two...

For real?

Yeah, it must be them!

It's Kiyoharu Hyodo and Gaju Akagi!

Are they here to cheer for someone?

Was there anyone famous in today's match though?

Carbonated beverages are such unhealthy drinks...

Then go drink some milk.

Hey, the first round's gonna end!

How's Fujita?

They had a small collision in the Tango, but they're dancing as usual.

And they're colliding off the floor as usual too.

If they got the energy to argue, we don't need to worry.

Hey, Hyodo.

Didn't Coach Marisa ask you to break up their fight in the first place?

Was that so?

Those two got worse, 'cause you ain't taking care of 'em!

That ain't normal to be fighting even at the comp site!

Fighting?

That's already past the point of fighting. It's a proper debate.

They exchange opinions, compare what they image, and combine it into one.

It's the endless discussion fated to pair dancing.

As long as you pursue dance,

that will continue forever.

I get sucked into...

Chi-chan's pace.

I can't lose!

Just give him some advice over the phone!

I dunno his number and there's nothing to talk about.

How cold.

What the heck's he thinkin'?

Kiyoharu-kun, Gaju-kun! Can we get a minute?

I'm Chono from Dance Focus!

I'm Nii!

Wow, it's refreshing to see you two not in formal attire at a competition site!

Lemme get a picture please.

Is there a competitor you know entering today?

Uhh...

We just came to see who's going to win.

So it's not like he ain't expecting anything?

Alright, full score of course!!

Wow! Th-The first round really was easy!

We're gonna keep this up 'til the semifinals!

And we're gonna win this!

It's my first full score in my life on all four dances!

Chi-chan...

More to the right!

Okay, smile!

I was watching the first round, Tatara-kun!

Akira-san!

You were so good that my eyes kept following!

Hey, did you cut down on your shifts?

When are you coming next?

It's lonely I don't get to see you as much.

Will you stop pressing that nasty fat against my partner?

Sorry I'm so curvy.

Say that after you've lost that butt and gut.

Oh!

Dad! Look, it's Chinatsu and Tatara-kun!

Komoto-san!