I want to dance at the school sports festival! Soran Bushi music and choreography
When it comes to powerful performances at school sports days, the Soran Bushi dance surely comes to mind.
Some schools present it every year as a tradition.
In this article, we’ll introduce versions of Soran Bushi suitable for sports day.
In addition to classics like Nanchū Soran and Yosakoi Soran, we’ll also feature choreography that even preschool and kindergarten children can dance, as well as dances that incorporate the feel of Soran Bushi.
There are also choreography videos with difficulty levels set by age, so feel free to use them as a reference.
I want to dance at the sports festival! Soran Bushi songs and choreography (1–10)
Easy arrangement! Nanchuu Soran
Nanchuu Soran is a classic version of the Soran Bushi! It’s often danced by children at school sports festivals.
In this video, they perform a simplified choreography based on Nanchuu Soran.
With practice, even preschoolers can dance it! There are two dancers: one performs the original choreography, and the other dances with naruko clappers.
Since their choreography differs slightly, it could be helpful for those deciding on Soran Bushi moves.
Repeating the harder sections lowers the difficulty and makes it easier for kids to give it a try.
Soran Bushi (Ages 4–6)
We’d like to introduce a version of “Soran Bushi” danced by Seira Onee-san from JOYSOUND.
This is designed for children ages 4 to 6, so if you’re thinking about dancing Soran Bushi with preschool or kindergarteners—from the youngest to the oldest classes—please feel free to use this as a reference.
It incorporates basic movements like pulling and casting a net, while featuring lots of repetition to make the choreography easy to learn.
The instrumental sections are quite flexible, so why not try arranging them to your liking?
Yosakoi Soran (mass performance)
Here’s an introduction to “Yosakoi Soran,” a staple of the Soran Bushi repertoire alongside “Nanchuu Soran.” In this version, they actually dance while keeping time with Japanese taiko drums.
The choreography focuses on basic movements, but what’s interesting is the incorporation of a mass game partway through.
The students take turns leaning their bodies forward and back to create a beautiful wave.
Later, everyone starts moving at once, showcasing the dance in a different style than before.
It’s an idea you might want to adopt when you want to present a slightly unconventional take on the Soran Bushi.
Nanchu Soran ~Fischer’s Version~
This is “Nanchuu Soran ~Fischer’s Version~,” released in 2019 by Fischer’s, who continue to lead the pack as top Japanese YouTubers.
While staying true to the basics, the choreography is cool, incorporating elements like breakdancing—something member Saka-O excels at—making it feel like anyone could become a hero at a school sports day or festival.
The two main vocalists waving large flags also leave a strong impression.
It looks like it takes quite a bit of arm strength and stamina, but it’s definitely an idea worth trying to imitate!
Yosakoi Soran (Soran for teaching materials)
Yosakoi Soran is a dance that combines naruko clappers—used for the Kochi Yosakoi Festival’s musical accompaniment—with the Hokkaido folk song Soran-bushi.
The music is the so-called “Educational Soran.” Dancers hold naruko and perform to music that incorporates phrases from Soran-bushi.
It’s a bold, sharp dance that energizes the audience.
Calls and chants are added, boosting the excitement.
Be sure to master the basics—sink your hips, extend your hands and feet farther than you think, and emphasize the contrast between movement and stillness—so you can deliver a powerful performance!
For lower and middle elementary school students
This is a Soran Bushi choreography that can be danced by lower and middle elementary school students as well as seniors.
From the ready stance, the hips are kept high.
Even in the classic net-pulling move of Soran Bushi, the hips are hardly lowered.
Although Soran Bushi is usually danced in a shiko-fumi (sumo-style wide squat) posture, this choreography lets you dance without forcing that stance.
If you find the shiko-fumi posture difficult, definitely try this version.
By making big arm movements, you can create impact even with simple steps!
Yosakoi Soran Rock
As the title suggests, this piece mixes Yosakoi, Soran-bushi, and rock.
While it’s arranged in a contemporary style, it still conveys Japan’s traditional sense of purity and dignified beauty.
The key to this dance is balancing power and smoothness.
Aim to showcase a beautiful contrast between grounded, powerful movements with a low center of gravity and fluid arm and leg motions that evoke waves.
If you teach the children the background behind the lyrics of Soran and remind them to be mindful of their gaze when striking poses, you can expect a performance full of dynamism.