Spoiler Warning: This article contains spoilers for 10DANCE.
“Dance is neither about technique, nor stamina. Love is what makes it whole,” says Martha Milton, director of the movie’s World Dance League and mentor to main character Shinya Sugiki. As the film unfolds, these words become a lesson to be experienced by both the characters and audience alike. Based on a manga written by Inoue Sato, Netflix’s 10DANCE follows two Japanese ballroom dancers —Shinya Sugiki (played by Keita Machida) and Shinya Suzuki (played by Ryoma Takeuchi).
Will You Take This Dance?
Renowned in their respective divisions, the two dancers’ similar names are one of their few points of commonality, aside from their love for dance. Sugiki is regal and poised, mirroring the refined techniques of standard ballroom. Suzuki, on the other hand, is more wild and free, and walks with an air of sensuality that he expresses through the Latin ballroom dance style. Since they compete in different categories, the two are far from rivals; yet, their passion to elevate their dance skills and rise in rankings draws them to each other.
Suguki has placed second in the World Dance Championships for years, always falling short despite his dedication. When he sees the energy and passion displayed by local champion Suzuki and his partner Aki, he becomes determined to learn from him. Sugiki proposes a collaboration: he wants to learn to dance the five Latin ballroom styles. In exchange, he will teach Suzuki the five standard ballroom styles. At the end, both dance pairs will be fully equipped to participate in the World Cup of Dance’s 10-Dance category.
Suzuki and Aki join Sugiki and his partner, Fusako, at Sugiki’s private dance studio. Aki and Fusako pair up, and Suzuki takes the lead with Sugiki. During practice, the two men learn to give and take from each other in unexpected ways. Suzuki learns to harness his dominant nature under the firm guidance of Sugiki, while Sugiki learns to break away from his rigid routines and pour emotion into each movement. As they spend more time by themselves under the guise of dance-related lessons, their attraction to each other grows stronger.
Step in Time to the Music
The soundtrack for 10DANCE was composed by Masuru Yokoyama, who has created scores for anime, television shows, and other Japanese films. Yokoyama is best known for his work in Your Lie in April (2014), Astra Lost in Space (2019), and Fruits Basket (2019), where his music has helped highlight emotionally impactful scenes.
Music is especially meaningful in relation to each character. In comparison to Suzuki, Sugiki’s connection to music is nonexistent. Practice is conducted without music, which he claims could be a distraction — in his opinion, the right to dance with it has to be earned after learning proper form. On the other hand, Suzuki’s approach to music is emotional, connected to nostalgia from his time living in Cuba. When he brings Sugiki to a Latin bar later in the film, he coaxes him to let his body loose on the dance floor — no strict form, just grooving to the rhythm.
Each song on the 10DANCE soundtrack represents a stage in the evolving relationship between Suguki and Suzuki. Yokoyama captures Sugiki and Suzuki’s clashing personas in the first few songs off the soundtrack. “Elegant Courtship,” stands out in particular, as the title does not match its sound. The minimal instrumentation from the string instruments and piano are dissonant, echoing the manner in which Suzuki and Sugiki struggle to match their steps. Suzuki is at first apprehensive of Sugiki’s touch, and rough as he takes the lead. Sugiki’s attempts to rein him in involve switching roles, which instead heightens tension between the two. Right when Suzuki decides to admit his romantic feelings, Sugiki decides to keep him at a distance as a future rival.
“The Finest Gentleman” introduces Sugiki’s character to the audience. The track holds a melancholic classical tune made haunting through a slow tempo and following the form of a waltz, one of Sugiki’s mastered dance forms. However, it takes on a brighter tone and picks up its pace near the end, an audible signal showing the broadening of his world due to Suzuki.
Suzuki’s inner self is harnessed in the track “Latino,” which holds an equally moody timbre. Yokoyama’s incorporation of rising melodies on the guitar and accordion create tension within the song. Just as Suzuki is strong-willed and honest, the song is bold with overlapping melodies fighting to be heard. Still, as the song winds down, it feels as if Suzuki’s heart wants to show his true emotions behind his mask. He wants to reach more audiences, and take Sugiki as his partner — both in dance and in life.
Time To Tango!
Endless hours of practice finally pay off as both dance pairs enter in Asian Cup Dance Championships. In the final sequence, Sugiki strays from the set programming and asks Suzuki to join a special dance with him in place of Fusako. The pair go through the steps of the 10-Dance, firing up the audience in preparation for the remaining rounds. Their performance is soulful and full of both a love for dance and affection for one another. Unlike previous competitions, the expressions and body language of both men are fully immersed. Suzuki follows Sugiki’s lead naturally, and Sugiki’s joy is visible on his face. Cheers from the crowd grow with every new song, evidence that the two have an unmistakable chemistry.
Turning from the jive to Chopin’s “The Minute Waltz,” the couple are shown dancing in the middle of the floor surrounded by other dance partners. Their last kiss on screen is sealed with a promise to meet again at the 10-Dance competition. While a second movie is yet to be confirmed, 10DANCE leaves audiences with a desire to find their own music to passionately dance to.
Looking for another series with romantic tension? Read EnVi’s First Impression of hockey romance series “Heated Rivalry” here.
