Breathing and facial expressions,
Unite everyone's feelings

College of Health and Welfare Third-year students
Song-Reading Department Executive
Graduate of Yamamura Gakuen High School

Maki Ota

Main content

The charm of cheerleading, created together by everyone.

I started cheerleading in the first grade of elementary school, joining a local club team. While also participating in the basketball club, I decided to dedicate myself to cheerleading in high school. The best thing about dance is the joy of creating a performance together with others. Sharing the finished image with everyone and aligning our feelings enriches our expression.

When I was a senior in high school, the last tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unable to shake the feeling of "not finishing it," I decided to continue competing at university to "see it through." J. F. Oberlin University is a strong contender with experience competing in world championships. When I first saw J. F. Oberlin University 's performance, I was amazed not only by the quality of the acting but also by how perfectly synchronized everyone's breathing was possible. Everyone's feelings were in tune, and in that situation, I wanted to dance too, so I decided to go to J. F. Oberlin University.

To win the tournament, you must first conquer yourself.

Currently, J. F. Oberlin University 's Song-Reading Department has 35 members. Until the competition, I focus on physical development and basic training such as jumping and turns. Since the coach doesn't come to coach every time, the third-year students, who are in the executive generation, come up with practice menus and work individually to acquire skills.

Last year, we weren't able to achieve the results we wanted. Because of that disappointment, this year we've adopted "Fight with all your might" as our slogan and decided to make it a year focused on victory. This means not only winning competitions, but also diligently engaging in daily, steady training. We're determined not to compromise and to overcome our own limitations.

My goal is to compete in the world championships.

Winning the national competition will earn you the right to compete in the world championships. Since I have this opportunity, I'd love to dance on a big stage.

Strictness is necessary in practice. But I believe that it's not just about being strict, but also about having a positive atmosphere where everyone is working together to create the performance. In order to deliver a good performance when it matters most, we must share the same vision down to the smallest detail, such as the dynamics of the dance, from the very beginning of practice. Only when our visions align can our bodies begin to move in unison. We repeatedly communicate these important points and practice until even our breathing and facial expressions are perfectly synchronized.

For the people who support me, I want to show a performance without regrets. J. F. Oberlin University In the Song-Reading Department, not just one person possesses exceptional skills. This is a team where each individual unites their strength and mindset to shine. We hope you will pay close attention to every single aspect of our expression, including our breathing and facial expressions.

Interview date:
This was done in September 2023 for the "Obirin Sports" website.

Breathing and facial expressions,Unite everyone's feelings

Main content

The charm of cheerleading, created together by everyone.

To win the tournament, you must first conquer yourself.

My goal is to compete in the world championships.

Related content

Breathing and facial expressions,
Unite everyone's feelings