Senior breakdancing takes center stage in Japan ahead of 2024 Paris Olympics

admin 2024年7月3日

©REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Vocabulary:

I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.

perception /per-SEP-shuhn/

[noun] – a belief or opinion, often held by many people and based on how things seem
Her perception of the city was shaped by the stories she had heard from friends who lived there.

applause /uh-PLAWZ/

[noun] – the sound of people clapping their hands repeatedly to show enjoyment or approval of something such as a performance or speech
When the students finished their presentation, they received loud applause from the audience.

feat /feet/

[noun] – something difficult needing a lot of skill, strength, courage, etc. to achieve it
The mountaineer’s summit feat required immense skill and determination.

diversion /dih-VUR-zhuhn/

[noun] – an activity that diverts the mind from serious concerns or responsibilities, providing entertainment or relaxation
The beach vacation was a much-needed diversion from the stress of work.

optimism /OP-tuh-miz-uhm/

[noun] – the quality of being full of hope and emphasizing the good parts of a situation, or a belief that something good will happen
Her optimism was contagious during the difficult times we faced.

Article reading:

Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.

Renowned for her prowess in surfing and traditional Japanese dance, 74-year-old Saruwaka Kiyoshie has discovered a newfound passion for breakdancing, especially since its inclusion in the 2024 Paris Games was announced. Reflecting on her surprise at developing an interest in breakdancing later in life, Saruwaka recalled watching young breakdancers near railroad tracks and imagining herself joining them if she were younger. Beginning her journey with Nihonbuyo dance at the age of five, Saruwaka never expected to take up breakdancing in her senior years but eagerly embraced the opportunity, drawn to its appeal and excitement.

Saruwaka is now part of Ara Style Senior, an exclusive club in Japan where elderly citizens practice breakdancing. Initiated by 71-year-old Tokyo official Reiko Maruyama, the club aims to energize the community through physical activities. Maruyama, with former national breaking champion Yusuke Arai, introduced breakdancing to older residents, inspired by its upcoming Olympic debut. Arai, known for mentoring talents like B-Boy Shigekix, believes this could reshape perceptions about age and physical fitness. Maruyama hopes to expand breakdancing’s popularity beyond Edogawa ward to a national and global scale. Ara Style Senior, currently comprising about 15 members, recently performed at a local festival to enthusiastic applause from the Edogawa community. Despite not performing the acrobatic feats seen in Olympic-level breaking, members like Hitomi Oda, aged 69, find joy and physical benefit in practicing simpler moves. For Saruwaka, breakdancing provides a refreshing diversion from her responsibilities as a custodian of the Saruwaka school of classical dance, a tradition she is dedicated to passing on. Emphasizing its role in maintaining her physical fitness for both dance forms, Saruwaka expressed optimism about continuing breakdancing well into the future.

Discussion Questions:

I will read each question. Then, please answer them.

Have you ever discovered a new interest or hobby later in life, like Saruwaka did with breakdancing? If so, what was it? If not, is there something you would like to try?
Have you ever been involved in a club or group that aims to promote physical activities in your community? If so, what was your experience like? If not, would you consider joining one?
Do you agree with the idea that initiatives like Ara Style Senior could change societal views on what activities are suitable for older adults?
How might participating in activities traditionally associated with younger generations, like breakdancing, challenge stereotypes about aging?
In what ways do you think community initiatives such as Ara Style Senior contribute to social inclusion and cohesion among different age groups?

Summarization

Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.

Describe:

Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.

breakdancing
inclusion
refreshing
acrobatic
physical activity