Songleading Club Executive: Maki Ota
Breathing and facial expressions unite everyone's feelings.
Song-Reading Department Executive
Maki Ota, College of Health and Welfare, 3rd year
Graduate of Yamamura Gakuen High School, Saitama Prefecture

The charm of cheerleading, created together by everyone.
I joined a local club team in first grade and started cheerleading. At the same time, I was also involved in basketball club activities, but from high school I decided to focus on cheerleading. The beauty of dance lies in the fun of creating a single act together as a team. I believe that sharing the completed image with everyone and aligning their feelings will enrich their expression.
When I was a senior in high school, my last competition was canceled due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. I couldn't shake the feeling that I couldn't finish it, so I decided to continue competing at university to see it through. J. F. Oberlin University is a strong athlete with experience competing in world competitions. 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 in place. Everyone's feelings were in tune, and in that situation, I wanted to dance too, so I decided to go on to J. F. Oberlin University.
To win the tournament, you must first conquer yourself.
Currently, the J. F. Oberlin University Song Reading Club has 35 members. Until the competition, we focus on physical development and basic exercises such as jumps and turns. Since the coach does not come to provide guidance 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 were unable to achieve the results we had hoped for. Because of this frustration, we decided to adopt the slogan "Fight Hard and Fight" this year and make it a year focused on winning. Not only to win tournaments, but also to work steady daily training. We are conscious of not compromising and winning against ourselves.
My goal is to compete in the world championships.
If you win domestically, you earn the right to compete in the world competition. Since you have this opportunity, I'd love to dance on a big stage.
Practice requires strictness. But I believe it's not just about being strict; I believe it's important to have a positive atmosphere where everyone creates the performance together. To perform well at the crucial moment, you need to share every detail, such as the dynamics of the dance from the start of practice. Only when the image matches does the body come together. I repeatedly communicate important things, practicing so that even breathing and facial expressions are perfectly synchronized.
For those who support us, we want to perform without regrets. J. F. Oberlin University The Song-Leading Club is not a team where no one has outstanding skills. We are a team where each individual unites their strength and unanimously expresses their strength. Please pay close attention to every aspect of our expressions, including our breathing and facial expressions.
I love dancing more than anyone else. I want to lead the team and compete in the world championships, which has been my dream.
Song-Reading Department Executive
Yumi Arai College of Performing and Visual Arts 3rd year