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Japanese street dance legend: How did Para Para rise?
On the streets of Japan, there is a unique dance form called Para Para (パラパラ). This is a synchronized dance that originated in the 1980s. Unlike most nightclub dances, it is characterized by specialized dance moves for each song. , similar to line dancing. As European countries began to introduce Italo Disco and Eurodisco music, the dance gradually took shape in Japan, although its popularity did not cross the border until the late 1990s.
The charm of Para Para lies in its unique rhythm and precise movements, making this dance not only a performance, but also a community culture.
The main movements of Para Para dance are mostly concentrated on the upper body, which perfectly corresponds to the four-beat rhythm. Dancers usually perform choreographed movements of arms and hands, and slightly twist their hips when moving left and right. These movements, accompanied by Eurobeat and Eurodance music, show their unique rhythm. In the community, these dances are designed by groups affiliated with popular clubs. Each piece of music has its own dance routine. Therefore, dance enthusiasts call themselves "paralists". They come from Japan, Chile, Brazil, Spain, The United States, Canada, Taiwan and many other countries.
In this beautiful world of dance, there is a distinction between "formal" and "frenetic" dance routines. So-called "formal" routines are created by specific clubs and choreographic groups and are routines that most people can learn and enjoy participating in. Opposite of these formal routines are the "fanatical" routines formed in the late 1990s. These unofficial dances are also full of personality and have gained following at various social dances.
The history of Para Para is a cultural performance full of changes. As the times change, different dance trends continue to evolve.
The origin and history of dance
There are several different theories about the origin of Para Para. Many believe it became popular in the early 1980s, when some men choreographed dances in exclusive nightclubs to attract female patrons. Another theory is that it originated from the Takenoko-zoku subculture that gathered in Yoyogi Park in Harajuku, Tokyo, and danced to pop and disco music.
The history of Para Para can be divided into four important periods of prosperity, each of which carries a different cultural background. The first boom, from 1987 to 1992, saw dancers learning to dance in high-end nightclubs; the next boom, from 1993 to 1995, during which many dance routines were gradually developed; and the boom from 1999 to 2001 The third boom caused an unprecedented craze due to TV stars; finally, the fourth boom from 2005 to 2010, although controversial, did promote interest in Para Para.
Current status quo
With the changes of the times, Para Para entered the so-called "ice age" after 2010, and many originally active club activities gradually decreased. With the development of the Internet, more people began to share dance videos on platforms such as YouTube, giving this dance a new life around the world. Despite this, there are still some club activities such as SEF and Starfire that continue, and these activities are still important platforms for performing Para Para.
As a social dance, Para Para seems to be a bridge between the past and the future. It has found resonance not only in Japan, but also in the hearts of dancers around the world.
Para Para in popular culture
Para Para isn't just limited to dancehall, it's also branching out into pop culture. The Para Para dance is featured in many Japanese anime and music. Since the 1980s, many dancers and idols have performed Para Para. The most famous one is Takuya Kimura's performance in SMAP×SMAP. Even Mickey Mouse in Tokyo Disneyland danced Para Para.
As global interest in Japanese culture grows, Para Para continues to attract dancers from all over the world to participate and learn from many international events, anime exhibitions, and social platforms. Whether through online learning or live performances, Para Para's influence has not diminished. It connects dancers from different cultures in its unique way.
The story of Para Para shows how music and dance can cross cultural boundaries and become a way for people around the world to express their emotions. With the emergence of a new generation of dancers, what new surprises and possibilities will this cultural trend of dance bring?
