In January, many athletes competed at the UK Dance Championships held in Britain.
Until last year, the pandemic made going abroad difficult. Even so, top athletes cleared many hurdles — quarantine, testing — and worked hard to compete.
This year's UK, I feel, showed a little of its usual liveliness.
Many professional dancers who come to Ms. Mako for lessons competed too. Some achieved great results, and I listened to their reports with joy.
Our studio's own athletes, the Hosaka couple, also went to Britain for the first time in a while. Having taken lessons and felt the atmosphere there, the two will surely bring that image to Japan's upcoming competitions and show us wonderful dancing.
Please do cheer them on ♪
Through January, Ms. Mako was very busy taking on lessons in the two's place. Our dog Bess also spends time at the studio, sometimes watching over Ms. Mako. Bess gets lonely, so she can't be home alone for long.
Loved by the guests, Bess is in a good mood.
Lately it seems coming to work has become the norm for her.
She got tired of waiting and fell asleep... (laugh)
Bess! Thank you for your hard work ♪