Olympic Spirit Ignites! Seniors in Japan Take Up Breakdancing

As breaking prepares to make its Olympic debut at the 2024 Paris Games, its influence is reaching far beyond the typical demographic of young, athletic dancers. In a surprising and heartwarming development, senior citizens in Japan are embracing this dynamic dance form, proving that breaking knows no age limits. This trend not only challenges stereotypes about aging and physical activity but also showcases the inclusive nature of breaking culture.

The Rise of Senior Breaking in Japan

The story of senior breaking in Japan centers around a group called Ara Style Senior, the country’s only breakdancing group composed entirely of older citizens. This unique collective emerged from the vision of Reiko Maruyama, a 71-year-old elected official in Tokyo’s Edogawa area, who saw the potential for breaking to benefit seniors both physically and mentally.

Maruyama’s inspiration came from a conversation with Yusuke Arai, a former national breaking champion and experienced judge. Recognizing the upcoming Olympic spotlight on breaking, Maruyama proposed the idea of introducing the dance form to older individuals. Arai, intrigued by the concept, agreed to take on this unconventional project.

The journey began with Maruyama as Arai’s sole senior student in early 2023. As they prepared for a performance at a local community center, Maruyama realized she didn’t want to be the only adult among a group of children. She reached out to Saruwaka Kiyoshie, a 74-year-old surfer and classical Japanese dancer, to join her.

From these humble beginnings, Ara Style Senior has grown to include about 15 members, each bringing their own unique background and perspective to the group. Their story is not just about learning a new dance form; it’s about challenging societal expectations, staying active, and finding joy in unexpected places.

Members of Ara Style Senior, Japan’s only breakdancing club made up of elderly citizens, and their teacher Yusuke Arai, 38, pose for a picture after their final rehearsal ahead of their performance at a festival in Tokyo, Japan, May 24, 2024.

Breaking Down Stereotypes

The image of senior citizens engaging in breaking is undoubtedly unexpected for many. Breaking is often associated with youth culture, physical prowess, and high-energy performances. However, the members of Ara Style Senior are proving that these preconceptions are just that – preconceptions.

Saruwaka Kiyoshie, at 74, embodies this spirit of defying expectations. As a practitioner of classical Japanese dance, she brings a unique perspective to breaking. “I used to see kids breakdancing under the railroad tracks and would think to myself, ‘I’d probably be one of them if I were young’,” Saruwaka shared. Now, she’s living out that dream, albeit in a modified form suited to her abilities.

The group’s activities challenge the notion that certain activities are off-limits to older individuals. As 69-year-old Hitomi Oda candidly admitted, “At first I thought, ‘There’s no way I can breakdance at my age’.” However, she quickly discovered that with adaptations, breaking could be both enjoyable and beneficial for seniors.

Health Benefits for Seniors

While the Ara Style Senior members may not be attempting the gravity-defying power moves seen in competitive breaking, they are reaping significant health benefits from their practice. Breaking, even in its modified form, offers a full-body workout that can improve strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health.

For seniors, these physical benefits are particularly valuable. Regular physical activity can help maintain mobility, reduce the risk of falls, and improve overall quality of life. Breaking, with its emphasis on rhythmic movement and balance, can be especially effective in these areas.

Saruwaka noted that breaking has helped strengthen her lower body, allowing her to continue with her classical dance practice. This cross-training effect demonstrates how breaking can complement other physical activities and support overall fitness for seniors.

Moreover, the cognitive aspects of learning dance moves and coordinating with music can provide mental stimulation, potentially contributing to cognitive health and reducing the risk of age-related mental decline.

The Joy Factor

Perhaps the most apparent benefit for the Ara Style Senior members is the sheer joy they derive from breaking. Maruyama emphasizes this aspect, saying, “You can’t help but laugh when you see yourself in these funny poses. I think it’s great that you can laugh, dance, and stay healthy, and that’s why I recommend it to people around me.”

This element of fun is crucial. Engaging in enjoyable physical activities increases the likelihood that individuals will stick with them long-term. For seniors, who may face challenges in maintaining regular exercise routines, finding a form of physical activity that brings laughter and enjoyment can be transformative.

The social aspect of group dance classes also contributes to the participants’ well-being. Regular meetups provide opportunities for social interaction, fostering a sense of community and combating the isolation that some seniors may experience.

Adapting Breaking for Seniors

It’s important to note that the breaking practiced by Ara Style Senior is adapted to suit the abilities and needs of older participants. While Olympic breaking will showcase incredibly demanding physical feats, senior breaking focuses on more accessible movements and the fundamental elements of the dance form.

This adaptation process is crucial in making breaking safe and enjoyable for seniors. It involves modifying moves to reduce impact, focusing on basic rhythmic steps and simple arm movements, and emphasizing the musicality and self-expression aspects of breaking over its more acrobatic elements.

Yusuke Arai, with his extensive experience in competitive breaking, plays a vital role in this adaptation process. His expertise allows him to distill the essence of breaking into forms that seniors can safely practice while still capturing the spirit of the dance.

Saruwaka Kiyoshie (left), 74, teaches her pupil Sakiko Kaneda, 22, traditional Japanese dance or Nihonbuyo, at Saruwaka’s studio in Tokyo, Japan, May 24, 2024.

Breaking and Cultural Exchange

One fascinating aspect of senior breaking in Japan is the cultural exchange it represents. Breaking, born in the Bronx in the 1970s as part of hip-hop culture, has found a new expression among Japanese seniors, many of whom bring their own rich cultural backgrounds to the practice.

Saruwaka’s background in classical Japanese dance, for instance, creates an intriguing fusion when applied to breaking. This cross-pollination of cultural forms speaks to the adaptability and universal appeal of breaking as a mode of self-expression.

Moreover, the seniors’ engagement with breaking represents a bridging of generational gaps. As they learn about and participate in a dance form often associated with youth culture, they create opportunities for intergenerational understanding and connection.

The Olympic Inspiration

The inclusion of breaking in the 2024 Paris Olympics has undoubtedly played a role in inspiring this senior breaking movement. As Maruyama noted, “Now that it’s going to be an Olympic discipline, this is the breakthrough moment!”

The Olympic spotlight has raised the profile of breaking, bringing it to the attention of people who might not have previously considered it accessible or relevant to them. For the members of Ara Style Senior, seeing breaking elevated to Olympic status has validated their interest and efforts.

Furthermore, the presence of Japanese breaking talent on the international stage has provided local inspiration. Saruwaka mentioned Japan’s gold medal candidate, likely referring to Shigeyuki Nakarai (known as Shigekix), who has represented Japan in major international breaking competitions.

This combination of global recognition and local talent has created a perfect storm of inspiration for Japanese seniors to explore breaking.

Challenges and Considerations

While the story of Ara Style Senior is overwhelmingly positive, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges involved in introducing breaking to seniors. Safety is a primary concern, requiring careful instruction and modification of moves to prevent injuries.

There may also be cultural or personal barriers to overcome. Some seniors might initially feel self-conscious about trying a dance form so different from what they’re accustomed to. Overcoming these inhibitions is part of the journey for many participants.

Additionally, finding suitable instructors who can effectively teach breaking to seniors while respecting their physical limitations can be challenging. Yusuke Arai’s involvement has been crucial in this regard, but as the movement grows, more instructors with this specialized skill set will be needed.

The Future of Senior Breaking

As Ara Style Senior gains attention, there’s potential for the concept to spread beyond Edogawa and even beyond Japan. Maruyama expressed this ambition, saying, “I want to spread breaking among seniors in Edogawa…, and from Edogawa to the rest of Japan and maybe even the world.”

This vision of global senior breaking is not as far-fetched as it might initially seem. As populations age in many countries around the world, there’s an increasing focus on finding engaging, beneficial activities for older adults. Senior breaking could well become part of this global conversation about active aging.

The Olympic Games in Paris may serve as a further catalyst for this movement. As breaking gains worldwide attention, it’s likely to inspire more people of all ages to explore the dance form. The story of Ara Style Senior could serve as a model and inspiration for similar groups around the world.

Conclusion

The story of Japanese seniors embracing breaking is a powerful reminder of the inclusive potential of dance and the unexpected ways in which Olympic sports can inspire people. It challenges our preconceptions about age and physical activity, demonstrating that with the right adaptations, even a high-energy dance form like breaking can be accessible and beneficial to older adults.

As Saruwaka enthusiastically declared, “I suspect I’ll be breakdancing for as long as I live. I bet I can do it until I’m 100, if I’m still alive.” This sentiment captures the spirit of Ara Style Senior – one of joy, determination, and openness to new experiences, regardless of age.

As breaking takes the Olympic stage in Paris, it will undoubtedly inspire many young athletes to push the boundaries of what’s possible in this dynamic dance form. But perhaps equally importantly, it will continue to inspire unexpected participants like the members of Ara Style Senior, proving that the spirit of breaking – one of self-expression, community, and breaking boundaries – truly knows no age limits.

The story of these Japanese seniors learning to break serves as a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to try something new, challenge yourself, and find joy in unexpected places. As we look forward to the Olympic breaking competitions, let’s also celebrate these seniors who embody the inclusive, life-affirming spirit of breaking in their own unique way.