"A Daiei Film"
"Produced by Daiei, NTV Corp. Hakuhodo & Nippon Shuppan"
"Written and Directed by Masayuki SUO ALTAMI RA PICTURES I NC."
"Shakespeare"
In Japan, ballroom dance is regarded with much suspicion.
In a country where married couples don't go out arm in arm...
much less say "I love you'out loud...
intuitive understanding is everything.
The idea that a husband and wife should embrace...
and dance in front of others is beyond embarrassing.
However to go out dancing with someone else...
would be misunderstood and prove more shameful.
Nonetheless, even forJapanese people, there is a secret wonder...
about thejoys that dance can bring.
"Dance"
Hisako that's enough.
Let's go to one more bar.
Even accountants need to be entertained.
It's no fun drinking with co-workers.
It's not fair! The sales team gets all the perks:
Golf, karaoke, clubs, fancy restaurants...
I hate accounting. We don't even get expenses.
You really hate it so much?
Do you really like it so much?
Not a matter of like or dislike; it's my job.
Nine o'clock.
Time to go home.
It's still early!
"The Kishikawa School of Dancing"
You're early. I thought you were drinking with your staff.
Something to eat?
No thanks. I'm tired. I'll take a bath and go to bed.
...for what I'm about to receive.
Your father rarely stays out late.
You seem very pleased.
He really should get out and enjoy himself more often.
Why do you say that?
Don't you think he's too serious?
He works hard, then comes straight home every day.
He bought us this house.
That's what fathers do.
I feel kind of bad.
It's not as if you're lazing around.
I suppose so. I'm glad you understand.
But he does seem depressed lately.
Poor dear gets up before either of us.
So get up and make his breakfast.
He says I don't have to.
So that's being in love?
Good morning.
Here's my sheet.
Bought a house did you?
Somehow managed to.
A wife, a daughter and now a house with a garden.
Pledged my soul to the firm to pay for it.
No worries. You're successful, you're moving up.
Mr. Aoki, you've left a blank.
Really? Show me.
Sorry. I'll redo it. What came over me?
That's so typical.
Some systems analyst! He can't even use Windows.
And he has the nerve to ask about my computer.
Still using the computer?
I'll be finished soon.
Okay. Later.
What am I doing?
Excuse me.
Just let me get by. Get out of the way!
I don't believe this!
May I help you?
Well...
Your sign says, "Feel free to watch."
- You want dance lessons? - Yes.
Mr. Sakamoto...
practice by yourself for a while please.
No previous schooling?
Right.
- Dance experience? - I'm a total beginner.
You'll need a book of tickets.
You can reserve lessons when your instructor is free.
Tickets are 1,000 yen. You'll need six per lesson.
6,000 per lesson?
Yes?
Seems rather expensive...
They are private lessons.
Excuse me, Mai.
Let's take a break.
Doesn't the beginner's class need one more?
I thought it was full?
No, we're one short.
Group lessons are once a week for 2,000 yen.
If you don't mind, it'll perhaps be best.
Which is it?
One hour group lessons are 8:00 pm on Wednesdays.
It's better to start with a group.
"Learn from other's mistakes."
Group lessons, please.
"Sunflower Dance Supplies"
Then how about these?
Eleven thousand five hundred yen!
Beginner's group...
come over here please.
Class will begin.
Let's start with the blues again.
My name is Tamako Tamura.
Disappointed I'm older?
Not at all! You look very... forgiving.
Thank you.
Everyone calls me Tamako-sensei.
How do you do?
Pleased to meet you.
Are you all beginners?
My wife dragged me to a ballroom dance circle.
Okay, so how should we do this?
I don't mind starting from the very basics.
Let's start with party dancing, then gradually move on...
to the modern and Latin steps.
I know those terms but these two probably...
don't know anything about the various dances.
Good point. Let me explain...
The social dances include the waltz, tango...
the slow fox-trot, quick step and the Vienna waltz.
These make up the modern dances.
The rumba, cha-cha-cha, samba, paso double...
and jive constitute the five Latin dances.
Together these are the ten competitive dances...
and each qualifies for competition.
I hope one day...
you'll get to try them all.
Today we'll start with the mambo.
The mambo and the jitterbug are non-competitive...
but you'll fear no party if you learn them.
They're excellent foundations for ballroom dancing.
Lead with your left foot.
Your weight goes on your right foot.
Bring the left up to meet the right.
Go back with your right.
Take the weight on your left.
Then right up to the left.
That's one set.
Left-right-left...
right-left-right.
The first two are quick.
Feet together is a slow step.
Two quick equals one slow.
Is that clear?
Simple isn't it?
You two will lead.
The leader, that's always the man...
leads with his left.
That's set in stone.
Ladies respond with their right.
Ready?
Bring your feet together.
I'm sorry.
It's alright. From the top.
Next is the half turn. Watch how I do it.
Ready?
Left foot, make a half turn, then bring both together.
Right foot, half turn, then together.
Now you try.
No, no, no. Look how I do it.
Left, turn, slow. Right, turn, slow.
The fat gentleman can do it.
Concentrate on your own steps please.
Let's try it in pairs.
Half turns are initiated by the man.
Ladies respond one step later...
and finish one step behind.
Go back on the foot you lead with.
From the top.
Start on your left... this goes back.
Right foot in and turn.
The same foot as you lead with.
You can do it. Once more.
Feet together.
Good exercise, isn't it?
Yes, I'm exhausted.
Give it our best shot!
She sure is pretty.
That's why you're here right?
Private lessons... that's the way.
Not that anything would come of it.
You're better off in a class.
She's all the sweeter when viewed from afar.
If she hadn't split with her partner...
she'd be so busy competing she'd have no time to teach here.
That old goat comes three days a week.
Still hasn't noticed she loathes him.
Sooner or later he'll quit.
Wonder how long you'll last.
The missus literally dragged me over...
to the local community center.
A social dance circle.
Taught by the local grocer.
I'm taking these lessons secretly...
to surprise him and the missus.
What's your name?
Tanaka.
What's your excuse?
Doctor's advice. I'm diabetic.
Really? And so young, too.
It's good exercise.
How about you?
I also heard dancing's good for the health.
That's what they all say.
Am I the only one who's prepared to be honest?
Let's face it. It's embarrassing.
Imagine if someone found out.
Dirty lecher... that's what they'd think.
Before I go up the stairs to the school...
I make sure no one's looking.
Mr. Sugiyama, look up.
Head up.
Is Dad home yet?
Not yet.
He stays out late Wednesdays.
That's good.
You'd rather he wasn't here?
You said he should go out and enjoy himself.
Did I?
But he does seem to be happier recently.
That's good news.
You were worrying that he was depressed.
- Was I? - Yes, you were.
Wonder what cheered him up.
That's enough!
It's not your private dance floor!
And I'm sick of your one-trick rumba.
A cheap imitation of Donny Burns.
How can we tango to this rumba?
Isn't your time up anyway?
Get lost. Go practice somewhere else.
Shut up... you fat, frustrated, old bag.
What?
Mr. Aoki?
What's going on?
This is pathetic.
You beg me to be your partner...
then you create a scene like this.
I've never been so embarrassed.
Get yourself a new partner.
Letting this hysterical cow insult you.
Who are you calling a cow?
And you copied my dress!
Take yours back to the shop!
It sure was a shock to see you standing there.
I didn't recognize you.
Actually I was quite impressed.
Five year's practice would make a dancer of anyone.
Five years?
I had no idea.
I keep it well hidden.
People think dancing's only for losers.
Especially since I'm still single.
Of course they think I'm just after girls.
But when I finish work...
put on the clothes, the wig and become Donny Burns...
Latin world champion...
and I start to move to the rhythm...
I'm so happy, so completely free.
You know how it is for me at work.
But I blew it again.
I take part in amateur dance competitions.
J.A.D.A. Organizes them...
that's thejapan Amateur Dance Association.
I'm at the third level.
But I still can't find a good partner.
Remember, it's a secret. Imagine the office gossip.
Yes, of course.
You could come to one of our dances.
No thanks. I've barely begun.
Doesn't matter. You look great. Better than me.
It's easier if you go with someone.
More women than men, so every man's a prize!
Aren't you here to dance?
No point standing around.
I'll teach you. Let's dance.
Be a man. Dance with me.
Would you be so kind as to dance with me?
Oh, alright.
Thank you.
Are you alright?
I'm sorry.
Don't worry.
Listen to the music.
Start on the second beat.
Okay? Two, three, four.
I'm sorry. Are you alright?
If you'll excuse me.
Wait for the second beat.
He is acting weird.
"Miwa & Co. Private Investigations"
Excuse me.
We offer free consultation.
It's very discreet. Maybe we can help.
He comes home late on Wednesdays and goes out on weekends.
On these days his shirts always smell of perfume.
Wednesday it's the same scent...
On weekends it's mixed.
He's seen making strange body movements.
Besides that, it's a woman's intuition...
Did you think of asking him?
I'm afraid to.
He's so serious.
If it is another woman it'll be...
more than just casual.
And if he is having an affair?
I've never even considered it.
He might be caught up in... something weird?
But if it is...
an affair, I'm afraid...
to think I might lose him.
An investigation will cost at least 500,000 yen.
That's usually sufficient...
to gather evidence for a trial.
Assuming we're talking about divorce.
But we're not really sure it is an affair.
You're right.
In your husband's case...
there is no history of adultery and if it's enough to establish...
he's not mixing with some strange group...
then how about this?
We'll budget three days.
If it takes less, we'll give a refund.
Lucky boy! Tonight she's in your arms at last.
Any preferences?
How about the waltz? Mr. Sugiyama?
Yes. Why not?
Then let's practice the waltz.
I'll take you through the steps you've learned.
Mr. Sugiyama, you first.
Are you really a reporter?
Not just chasing after her like everyone else?
No, not me. I'm working.
Really?
Can you dance?
Wish I could, but I've never had the chance.
C'mon let's try. I'll be the lead.
I'm on duty.
Give it a try.
Sensei.
What is it?
Thank you for today's lesson.
Not at all. I'm not as experienced as Tamako-sensei.
No, no, you were very good.
I was impressed.
Thank you.
No. I thank you.
I thought I'd go and eat.
I haven't had dinner yet.
But eating alone spoils the taste.
If you haven't eaten, perhaps we...
I'm sorry.
I prefer not to have private contact with students.
I see.
Excuse me.
One thing.
This may seem rude...
but I hope you didn't join the class with me as your goal.
I take dancing very seriously.
It's a classroom not a disco.
Don't dance if that's what you're after.
But why dancing?
Is this pretty lady his teacher?
His regular teacher is a more mature woman.
She was a substitute.
I've never seen him like this.
Personally, I don't think your husband...
is having a relationship with her.
What makes you think so?
Experience... as a detective.
We don't know why he started dancing.
But the secrecy is surely because he's ashamed.
Experience again?
As a man... yes.
I suspect he will soon give up dancing.
- Why do you say that? - A hunch.
He will tire of it.
I wonder...
Some hunch.
I don't get it.
It must be that substitute.
Your improved posture will give you away!
Hello there.
You're really improving.
A compliment from you, is praise indeed.
You're conscious of every footstep?
No, not yet.
But your posture is so good.
Is it really?
It gets dangerous when it's second nature.
Is that right?
Like golfers swinging their umbrellas at the train station.
Think I'll be practicing on the platform?
That's hard to imagine.
Well, you'd be the last one to notice.
Dance is that captivating.
Maybe. I never thought I'd get in this deep.
Have you been to a dance hall?
No, not yet.
It's a lot of fun. We should go sometime.
"You'd be the last to notice."
Is that you Mr. Sugiyama?
Ms. Tamako.
What are you doing here?
That's my line! I work here part time.
I'm alone so, I've nothing to do on days off.
I moonlight here to keep dancing.
On your own?
No, I'm with Aoki.
She's very pretty. Who is she?
His new partner.
They entered...
the Eastern Dancing...
Eastern Amateur Dance Gala?
Yes, that's it.
He insists on dancing with such young girls.
Hope he's not dumped again.
He should dance with Toyoko.
She's also looking for a partner.
How about you?
Not in competition, no way.
May I have this dance?
Hang on a minute!
If that's okay with you.
Shall I introduce you to someone?
If you don't mind, I'd prefer to dance with you.
How sweet! But don't feel obliged.
Try someone else perhaps.
It's not that. Some of my steps still need work.
So earnest! Here you can forget the steps and enjoy yourself.
That's "joe Blues" over there.
They say he can make your backbone melt.
This tune.
Remember The King and I?
That bald actor.
Yul Brynner.
It was that film which started me dancing.
It still sets my heart racing.
He held Deborah Kerr's hands like...
Dance is more than...
just the steps.
Feel the music and just dance for sheer joy.
Watch it!
- Sorry. - Forgive us.
Oh, it's you! Be careful.
You've got nerve, you're hopeless!
You forced me. I said I couldn't.
Sometimes the worst dressed dance best...
like good dancers who say they can't.
Toyoko please!
Tamako-sensei! Come see this.
Isn't that Mr. Kimoto?
Yes.
I hear he's going to give a demonstration.
What's happening?
He's a dance instructor, an all-japan finalist.
He suddenly split with his partner.
Look, isn't that Mai?
So the rumor is true.
- Rumor? - You know, breaking up with her partner.
Did she?
You should know, you're the one who likes her!
They did great at Blackpool, then suddenly split up.
Blackpool, the top world competition.
Don't you even know that?
Some say that Kimoto and Mai fell in love...
and engineered the break-ups to get together.
Interesting place isn't it?
You're suggesting we dance here?
Isn't that why you're defying your father?
But why here?
It's not like we have to dance among them.
We needed a place for our debut...
and the owner kindly offered us this anniversary event.
But this is not ballroom dancing.
Lounge lizards and showgirls.
What's wrong with that?
They're having a wonderful time.
Doesn't their dancing thrill you...
fill you with inspiration?
Blackpool has a history...
but in its own way, so does this dance floor.
So there's no hope then?
"Why should I, a Blackpool semi-finalist...
dance in a dump like this?" Am I right?
Is this some kind of test?
It wasn't intended to be, but it is now.
So I must have failed?
I can't dance here.
That's a shame.
Good luck finding someone.
You too.
You should lighten up and enjoy your dancing.
It's more than just competition.
I'm not suggesting we go to a hotel...
It's a short cut.
I thought...
maybe we could become partners.
But our styles are too different.
No couple gets it right away.
We need practice.
No, that's not it.
When we're talking like this, you're fine.
But it's so creepy.
Your dancing, it gives me the creeps.
Mr. Sugiyama?
Not here yet.
You'll do. Be my partner for a minute.
Good evening.
What's this?
Looks like Tanaka's being auditioned as a partner.
She's determined to move up to the next level.
They say men take three times longer to learn than women.
Stop. Control yourself!
Slobbering like that.
Your hands are dripping wet.
You're making me sick.
There's no way you're becoming my partner.
You dragged him out there!
Shut up short-ass.
That's rude! You should watch what you say.
Fussy little man...
with your fussy little steps!
You want to talk about my steps?
What about them?
Go on... share your wisdom!
Do I really make you sick?
Am I really that disgusting?
The first girl I ever liked said that.
And I wasn't even dancing.
My doctor recommended dancing as exercise.
First I was embarrassed.
But soon all my cares were gone...
like being drunk.
My heart singing.
Fireworks exploding in my head.
All my worries forgotten...
and I began to love dance.
But I suppose...
even when I'm dancing...
Do I really look that bad?
No, of course not.
I'm sorry.
I didn't mean it like that.
Forgive me.
Toyoko!
This is the third time she's collapsed from overwork.
This is Toyoko's daughter.
Sorry for all this trouble.
You must be Mr. Sugiyama.
Yes.
She tells me everything.
Said you were elegant... a little like my late father.
She seemed sad to hear you had a family.
It's no wonder she collapsed.
She cleans offices...
delivers dinners...
and helps out at a restaurant.
Then every night she has dance practice.
Why don't you be Toyoko's partner?
No, I'd be terrible.
You'd be okay. I guarantee it.
She'd never agree.
My dancing is far too bad.
She'll be fine. You heard what her daughter said.
She's quite fond of you.
And dance begins with the dancer's feelings.
Besides, you're not a bad dancer.
Spare me just two hours, three times a week after class.
Two hours?
I won't charge you.
Special training.
There's still three months before the competition.
We'll be able to do it.
Isn't that right, Mai?
You look fit as a fiddle.
I'm full of energy and raring to go!
You're a brave man...
or you've got strange tastes.
Look, I don't know what my daughter said to you.
But I don't want sympathy, okay?
Stop being so defensive.
He agreed because Mai asked him to do it.
You hardly need sympathy.
I guessed as much.
Ready? Let's begin.
We'll need to do the waltz and the quick-step.
Plus the rumba and paso doble.
Dance them in that order.
First the waltz.
Wait!
If you don't lead this is hopeless!
We haven't covered that yet.
You've got to be joking!
I just wanted to see you two paired.
We'll stick to modern today.