A Place Where You Can Become Your “Cute Self” Discover Your Own Style of Dance at Dance Studio SORA
Published: September 10, 2026
※For this article, we conducted a follow-up interview and will focus on new initiatives and changes that have taken place since our previous coverage.
※Prices are subject to change from those in effect at the time of the interview. Please contact the store directly for the latest information.
(Photo courtesy of Dance Studio SORA)
What comes to mind when you hear the words “ballroom dancing”?
Glamorous costumes, complicated steps, something only certain people do…
Perhaps some people still have this kind of image of ballroom dancing.
But a visit to Dance Studio SORA in Nishi-Ojima may gradually change that impression.
This is our second feature on the studio for Kotomise. When we first visited in 2020, one of our staff members took part in an actual trial lesson and experienced the joy of dancing by following the instructor’s lead, even as a complete beginner.
Six years have passed since then.
The studio is now known as “Dance Studio SORA,” and it has also introduced kids’ dance classes. Various measures have also been incorporated into its lessons to help beginners feel comfortable taking their first steps into the world of dance.
When we returned to SORA for the first time in six years, we found a studio that had continued to evolve while retaining the same desire to help people enjoy dancing.
“A Place Where You Can Become Your ‘Cute Self’”
Dance Studio SORA’s current concept is “a place where you can become your ‘cute self.’”
Here, “cute” is about more than appearance.
It is about valuing the things you like and the things you want to try, while finding your own way to shine.
SORA aims to be a place where dancing gradually builds confidence and where you can feel that there is something special about you today.
Recently, more people have also been starting ballroom dancing as couples.
Some come saying, “Neither of us has ever tried ballroom dancing before, but we wanted a hobby we could enjoy together.”
Others are men who want to learn to dance so they can “make their partner feel like a princess.”
Starting something new on your own can be wonderful, but so can discovering a new hobby together with someone special. Everyone has their own reason for starting to dance.
And SORA’s goal is not simply to help people become good dancers from the very beginning.
“We want even people who have never danced before to gradually make dancing part of their everyday lives, so that their days become more enjoyable and full of excitement.”
With this in mind, SORA provides lessons tailored to each individual.
▲ For first-time visitors, just look for this sign.
▲ Whether you take the elevator or the stairs, Dance Studio SORA is on the second floor. This is where your dance journey begins.
▲ The studio floor is made from solid cherry wood. At Dance Studio SORA, you can enjoy dancing together with your instructor. (Photo courtesy of Dance Studio SORA)
Getting to Know “You” Before Teaching You to Dance
でSo, what makes it possible for beginners to start dancing with confidence?
One answer is the consultation held before the trial lesson.
Rather than simply asking, “What would you like to dance?”, the instructors first ask, “What made you want to start dancing?”
Of course, they ask about the types of dance that interest you, but they also talk about sports you have played, things you did as a child, and various other aspects of your life. Based on these conversations, they create a lesson plan that suits you.
“Everyone has different things they want to do and different ways they want to enjoy dancing. We take the time to listen carefully and then create a lesson plan that suits each individual.”
For example, someone may initially think, “I want to dance the waltz.” But after trying several different styles, they may discover, “Actually, I like the rumba more.”
That is why the instructors pay attention to more than whether you are performing each step correctly.
“We also pay close attention to their expressions during the lesson. We want to notice the moments when they naturally smile and look like they are having fun.”
The instructors look for those moments when students naturally smile and use them to shape lessons that each person can genuinely enjoy.
That is what a lesson at Dance Studio SORA is all about.
▲ A consultation space where instructors take the time to listen before each lesson.
▲ The Dance Studio SORA menu and various items around the studio.
Never Leaving a Lesson Wondering, “What Did I Learn Today?”
“Sometimes, after a lesson, you might find yourself thinking, ‘What did I actually learn today?’”
Learning something completely new is not always easy.
That is why SORA provides its members with a dedicated textbook and curriculum.
Students gradually progress according to their level, learning new steps while recording what they have mastered and what they worked on during each lesson.
At the next lesson, they can look back at what they did previously and continue from there. This makes it easier to remember, “Oh, we did this step before,” and gradually build their skills.
It also makes it easier to see how far they have come, allowing students to feel their own progress.
Each lesson lasts 30 minutes, which is also convenient for people with busy schedules. You can continue dancing at your own pace without putting too much pressure on yourself.
▲ The textbook used to record each lesson. It allows students to look back on their progress.As the lesson records accumulate, they become a personal record of growth, filled with memories from your dance journey. (Photo courtesy of Dance Studio SORA)
Discover Your Own Way to Enjoy Dance at Dance Studio SORA
So, what is it that makes Dance Studio SORA special?
In a nutshell, it is the ability to work together to turn each person’s vision of “how I want to dance” into reality.
You may want to exercise for your health.
You may want to dance and have fun at parties.
You may want to take part in competitions and see how far you can go.
You may simply want to dance to your favorite songs.
Or perhaps you want to wear a costume you love and express your own world through dance.
Everyone has different goals.
And even if the thing you initially thought you wanted changes as you continue taking lessons, that is perfectly fine.
You may discover, “I tried it, and actually, I like this better.”
SORA values those discoveries, too, and supports whatever you want to try at each stage of your dance journey.
You can even express your favorite stories and characters through dance, such as saying, “I want to dance as a princess.”
Starting ballroom dancing does not mean that you have to enter competitions.
There is no need to compare yourself with anyone else. You can find a way to enjoy dancing that suits you, at your own pace.
Whether you want to compete, perform your favorite song for others, or express yourself through costumes and dancewear, there are many wonderful ways to enjoy dancing.
SORA’s appeal lies in being there for whatever you want to achieve at each stage and helping you find your own way to enjoy dance.
▲ A variety of dance shoes and costumes are on display. Dance shoes and lesson wear are also available for purchase.
To Improve, Start with “Having Fun”
Learning something new takes time, and skills gradually develop when you continue at a comfortable pace.
That is why SORA places great importance on making sure that people can continue dancing while enjoying themselves.
“We never make our lessons overly strict. We want people to leave with a smile on their face.”
Of course, being able to do something that you could not do before is exciting.
But it is just as important to be able to leave thinking, “I had fun today.”
Everyone has their own pace.
Some people take several lessons close together, while others continue little by little each week.
For those who are completely new to dance, SORA also offers a five-lesson “First-Time Course,” which makes it easier to get started than with regular private lessons.
Rather than pushing yourself to keep going, the idea is to incorporate dancing naturally into your everyday life, at a pace that works for you.
Before long, going to dance lessons may become something you look forward to as part of your everyday routine.
Being able to continue dancing at your own pace, while enjoying yourself along the way, is another part of what makes SORA special.
▲ Enjoying a lesson with a smile. At Dance Studio SORA, helping each person find something they genuinely enjoy is a priority. (Photo courtesy of Dance Studio SORA)
Starting Dance Can Change Your Everyday Life, Too
What changes when you continue dancing is not limited to your dancing ability.
According to SORA, students have experienced a variety of changes beyond their dance skills.
Some people who were once uncomfortable speaking in front of others have become more confident, while others who used to worry about their posture have started receiving compliments on their improved posture.
Ballroom dancing is a form of dance that you enjoy together with another person.
You learn to sense your partner’s movements while communicating your own.
You think about how to make it easier for your partner to dance, while enjoying the music together.
As these skills develop, the experience can gradually lead to greater confidence and better communication with others.
One student even mentioned ballroom dancing as a hobby during a job interview. The interviewer became interested, and the conversation continued from there.
We can certainly understand why hearing someone say, “I do ballroom dancing,” might make you curious.
But the changes students experience at SORA go beyond that.
Your posture changes.
You become more confident speaking in front of others.
You become more comfortable enjoying the things you love.
And, little by little, you may even start to like yourself a little more.
Beyond learning how to dance, there may be a new side of yourself waiting to be discovered.
That is another part of the appeal of continuing your dance journey at SORA.
▲ You can learn the steps little by little while dancing together with your instructor. (Photo courtesy of Dance Studio SORA)
The Joy of Dance Is Spreading to Children, Too
Dance Studio SORA offers not only ballroom dancing for adults, but also dance classes for children.
The kids’ class previously focused on K-POP, but was revamped as a hip-hop class in July 2026. Rather than limiting the class to one particular genre, children can now enjoy dancing to a wider variety of songs.
With dance now part of the school curriculum, it has become more familiar to children than ever before.
Many of the children who attend SORA are complete beginners, but they steadily improve while having fun in class.
Ballroom dancing for adults and hip-hop for children.
Different generations, different styles, but the feeling that “dancing is fun” is the same.
▲ A kids’ dance lesson in progress. As soon as the music starts, smiles naturally appear as the children dance along to the music. (Photo courtesy of Dance Studio SORA)
It All Starts with “Maybe I’ll Give It a Try”
After reading this far, you may still be thinking, “But isn’t ballroom dancing difficult?”
Don’t worry if you are not very flexible.
You do not need any special training to start dancing.
And you do not have to learn a huge number of steps before you can dance an entire song.
“You can dance around the floor using just three or so basic steps.”
Start by learning a few simple steps and try moving to the music.
Your instructor will lead you, so in the beginning, you can simply follow along without worrying too much about what you are doing.
And then, at some point, you may suddenly think:
“Wait… was I just dancing?”
That little moment of “I did it!” can become the first step toward what comes next.
Of course, you do not need to buy dance shoes or special clothes before you begin, either.
The studio has ballroom dance shoes and lesson wear available, so you can gradually get what you need as you continue.
SORA has also appeared on “Ojisanpo,” an official YouTube program produced by Koto City.
You can see what an actual trial lesson is like, so if you are wondering, “What happens during a trial lesson?”, watching the video first is a great way to get a feel for it.
▲ Toru and Saeki dancing together. At SORA, they value the joy of dancing in sync with a partner. (Photo courtesy of Dance Studio SORA)
Making SORA an Even Better Place
Finally, we asked about the future of Dance Studio SORA.
“We want to upgrade what we have now and make it even better.”
Rather than simply adding one new thing after another, the goal is to continue improving the things SORA has valued all along.
Lessons tailored to each individual.
A curriculum that allows beginners to start with confidence.
Time spent enjoying yourself.
And an environment where you can discover your own style of dance.
By continuing to refine each of these elements, SORA hopes to become an even better place than it is today.
That feeling came through clearly during our conversation.
Six years have passed since our first interview in 2020.
The studio has changed little by little, but its desire to help people enjoy dancing remains the same.
“Just feel free to reach out and ask us anything. A whole new world of fun awaits you.”
Whether you have never tried ballroom dancing before, simply want to get moving again, or want to start a new hobby with someone special, your reason for starting can be anything.
“Maybe I’ll give it a try.”
Starting with nothing more than that feeling may be the perfect way to begin.
As you dance, you gradually find that you can do more than you could before.
You discover new things you enjoy.
You become more confident in front of others.
And before you know it, you may find that you like yourself just a little more than you did before.
As you discover your own way to dance, you may also discover a side of yourself you never knew was there.
Dance Studio SORA is a place where you can discover your “cute self.”
▲ Toru and Saeki, ready to welcome you with a smile. (Photo courtesy of Dance Studio SORA)
※Information is based on July 2026. Prices, operating hours, and other details may change. Please verify with the store directly.
※All amounts mentioned in the article are inclusive of taxes.
