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The influence of Eurobeat: Why Eurobeat and Para Para are a perfect match?
In Japan's music and dance culture, the combination of Para Para dance and Eurobeat music has formed a unique form of entertainment. Since the 1980s, the combination of the two has been deeply rooted in the lives of young people in Japan, especially during the period when nightclubs and party culture were popular. The fast rhythm of Eurobeat and the synchronized dance moves of Para Para complement each other, and their mutual appeal made this dance popular and still has a certain fan base today.
The best feature of Para Para dance is its upper body movements and the whole dance is choreographed to the strong beat of Eurobeat music.
Para Para originated in the early 1980s, when Italo disco and Eurodisco music developed in Europe began to enter Japan and became the focus of cultural discussion along with specific dance steps. Initially, Para Para dance was not widely accepted in nightclubs until the late 1990s, when it gradually gained recognition in mainstream culture.
Characteristics of Para Para Dance
Para Para dance is characterized by its exaggerated upper body movements and is closely linked to the four-beat rhythm of Eurobeat. Dancers synchronize their movements primarily with their arms and upper body, aided by simple leg movements like hopping in place or swaying their hips, making the dance easy to learn and fun.
Dances are usually choreographed to specific routines, and dancers can find corresponding dance moves for any Eurobeat track, making each song have its own dance style.
This style of dance is also influenced by traditional Japanese celebrations of the past such as Bon Odori, with movements that are simple and easy to follow while retaining a certain cultural identity. In addition, the Para Para community has begun to expand outside of Japan, and many dance groups from foreign enthusiasts such as the United States, Brazil, and Europe have been established to conduct dance exchanges and performances.
The charm of Eurobeat
Eurobeat has been a popular choice on dance floors since the 1980s with its relentless, hard-hitting beats. Originating from Italy and influenced by electronic and dance music, this genre sets a fast-paced dance atmosphere that allows dancers to let off steam during a night of partying.
The Eurobeat musical style has contributed to the global spread of Para Para dance, as its high tempo and easily recognisable melody make it an ideal accompaniment to dancing.
With the rise of Eurobeat in Japan's youth instrumental culture, many young people began to look for suitable dance forms to express their love for the music. At this time, Para Para just filled this gap and quickly came into people's view.
The perfect combination of dance and music
Eurobeat songs are usually very fast and suitable for fast dancing. This also prompts the dancers to have a higher requirement for their movements, and they must coordinate the movements of their hands and upper body so that the dance looks more attractive. The routines for these dances are often designed by Japanese pop music groups, such as the famous Starfire and SEF, and the dance videos produced by these groups have become an important resource for learning and absorbing dance inspiration.
Dance groups such as "Shishō Gundan" and "T-RREX" played an important role in the development of Para Para, choreographing a large number of popular dance routines that are deeply loved by dancers.
All this makes the relationship between Eurobeat and Para Para not just a relationship between music and dance, but also a bridge between culture and social interaction. To this day, the dance continues to evolve as subcultures change and attract new dancers to join the family.
The global Para Para phenomenon
With the popularization of the Internet, Para Para has also begun to enter the global field of vision. In many countries, especially in the West, communities of fans of this unique dance form have gradually formed. People use social media sites and platforms to share their dance videos, which in turn stimulates international communication and cooperation.
For example, in the United States and Europe, fans showcase their Para Para dance and Eurobeat culture by participating in anime conventions and dance competitions.
This allows people to experience and enjoy this dynamic dance form together, no matter where they are. Eurobeat music is no longer limited by region. Dancers have established a new cultural identity through Para Para and brought this movement to the global stage.
Then, as the exchange of global dance culture deepens, how will this early dance form originating from Japan influence future dance styles and music trends?
