Spring Banquet 2026 came to a wonderful close
Saturday, May 2 — the Fuyo Room at Hotel New Otani.
To everyone who performed at Spring Banquet 2026, to the supporting teachers who backed us so warmly, and to the guests who came despite busy schedules — without any single one of you, that scene could never have come to life.
Ballroom dance is truly a mysterious thing. The moment your breathing aligns with your partner, the whole of that relationship is reflected in the dance. It is expressed; it cannot be faked. That is exactly why it is beautiful.
Every single dance on that floor held so many hours, and so much feeling, from the people who performed it.
A back held straight, dancing with dignity. The moment of entrusting your body to the music. The courage to trust your partner and step into the next move.
All of it filled the entire hall.
Among the demonstrators were people in their 90s. To see such people dancing youthfully and gracefully — is there anything more wonderful than that?
People who returned to the dance floor after overcoming injury. People told by those around them that their very way of walking had changed. People who found a purpose in life because dance was there.
Behind each and every one of our performing students is a story like that. That is exactly why their figures on the floor shine so brightly.
This year, too, many supporting teachers lent us their help
The demonstrations by our supporting teachers also brought great emotion to the hall.
The dancing of professionals active at the very front lines makes your heart race just by watching.
In the moment when music and body became one, something beyond words spread through the entire hall, and before we knew it everyone was holding their breath, transfixed. Technique polished over long years, and the overwhelming expressive power born from it —
it went beyond mere "skill," reminding us anew of the true beauty and depth that dance holds.
With the teachers' dancing added to the dignified setting of the Fuyo Room at Hotel New Otani, Spring Banquet 2026 became an even more special evening. To our supporting teachers, our heartfelt thanks once again.
The toast
We asked Ms. Yukiko Matsuura to give the toast.
Her clear, dignified voice rang through the Fuyo Room — a moment when the whole hall became one.
In the warm air of glasses meeting, we felt gratitude and joy for this day.
Ms. Matsuura gave us warm words, and also shared stories of when she first met Mako Karibe in America, bringing a heartwarming, relaxed moment to the hall.
Wonderful flowers brought color to the hall ♪
Once again, many people sent us stand flowers, wrapping the hall in even greater splendor.
Enjoying gorgeous, beautiful flowers up close is one of the special delights of a ballroom dance party. Their beauty was such that people stopped in their tracks to admire them, and many took commemorative photos in front of the flowers.
For your kindness, our sincere thanks.
The last dance — a demonstration with Oleksii Guzyr
For the finale of the professional demonstrations, our representative Mako Karibe performed a wonderful Slow Foxtrot with special guest Oleksii Guzyr.
Oleksii is a top dancer with the ability of a former Ukrainian Youth Latin Champion. Together with his partner Rikako Ota, he has achieved brilliant results on the international stage, including winning the Standard division at the WDSF Asia-Pacific Championship. On the day, his return dance with Mako Karibe enchanted the hall and added splendor to Spring Banquet 2026.
With gratitude to everyone
People aligning their breath and creating something together. In that process, supporting one another and being supported. Building up such relationships — that is our studio.
That is exactly why the hall held something more than mere splendor.
It was trust, and the bond between people. For your cooperation and support, our heartfelt thanks.
[Announcement]
And there is one more thing we would like to share. It has been decided that next year, on Saturday, May 1, 2027, we will hold our 20th Anniversary party, again in the Fuyo Room at Hotel New Otani.
To be able to reach such a milestone is a truly joyful thing. Feeling the weight of 20 years, it would be the greatest joy to celebrate this milestone together with all of you.
First-timers and regular guests alike. Those who dance, and those who would like to start dancing. We look forward to welcoming you with all our hearts.
The world of ballroom dance can change someone's life. We, the staff, are convinced of it.
We look forward to your continued support of Social Dancing Club TEAM.
Spring 2026 — The Staff