Key Points
- Miku Ono’s adult hip-hop dance classes bring together participants of many ages.
- One participant in his 70s says dancing is ‘a lot of fun’ and helps him make friends.
- An expert explains that dance has broad health benefits.
The adult hip-hop dance classes run by Japanese dancer and choreographer Miku Ono welcome everyone from new parents in their 20s to retirees in their 70s.
Participants are put through their paces at Miku Ono’s adult hip-hop dance class in Sydney. Credit: SBS
Aiku Ikeguchi, 73, was one of the first to join the classes when they began in February 2024.
He said that while he had always been interested in dance, he never had a chance to take it up before.
Aiku Ikeguchi, 73, is a regular at the classes, which began in February 2024. Credit: SBS
“When I was in my 20s and in New York, I saw young fellows dancing around the street with a boombox on their shoulders, and I thought, wow, that is so cool,” he said.
Ikeguchi has been diligently attending every class twice a week, sometimes even doing private lessons with Ono.
I love the sound, the beat. It fills my heart with joy.
Aiku Ikeguchi
Ikeguchi, who previously ran many businesses, said dance had the magic to bring people together.
Sae Namekata explained that she always brings her preschooler to class in order to give herself the “mum time” she needs as she juggles work and parenthood.
Sae Namekata said she enjoys the challenge of hip-hop dancing. Credit: SBS
According to her, hip-hop dance presents a set of welcoming challenges.
It’s just that kind of exercise that activates the part of the brain that I never use.
Sae Namekata
“The head is doing this, and the belly is doing this. Meanwhile, the body weight needs to be shifted this way, and you need to swing something else,” she said.
Benefits of dance
While the field of dance for health research is still relatively new, she said early studies show that structured dance offers a cognitive challenge not inherent in other exercise modalities.
“My systematic review of literature study found equivalent improvements to components of memory and motivation when compared to exercise,” she added.
Miku Ono’s class members have embraced hip-hop dancing. Credit: SBS
Ono, who has been teaching dance to people of all ages for 17 years, also understands the benefits that dance can bring.
But she added that teaching these students who are “young at heart” is an extra rewarding experience.
Miku Ono is the teacher of this adult hip-hop class. Credit: SBS
“They have not only shown great improvements but have also formed great friendships, often going out to lunch after the lesson. That makes me happy,” she said.
You can start to dance at any age.
Miku Ono
“I hope they think I am cool.”
Yuki’s two daughters also learn hip-hop dance from Miku. Credit: SBS
While most people know that physical activity is highly beneficial for health, Yan said adhering to such activity can be an ongoing challenge.
“Not everyone enjoys going to the gym, going for a run or lifting weights,” she said.
But people may not realise that dance can actually be an equally effective alternative modality to standard exercise.
Dr Alycia Fong Yan, University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine
Listen to SBS Japanese Audio on Tue, Thu and Fri from 1pm on SBS 3.
Discussion about this post