Dance Dance Danseur - Vol. 17 Ch. 148

[MangaDex]

 

[ciera]

Thank you for the scanlation

 

[Cidolfas]

"Junpei's real goal is to join Olga-sensei's class and study under Blanco, isn't it!"
"Wait! That's an option!"

 

[yosoji]

Thanks for the chapter!

 

[Kushikime]

Thanks for the chapter. New volume cover looks amazing

 

[Felkin]

Anyone else notice just how much more introspective Junpei has become? He didn't outright reject the criticism of his little dream, he logic'd it all out, but could tell it was just a certain irrational pull he has that he can't get over.

At this point I think via Junpei, Dance Dance is a real social commentary on the Japanese as well. This is a strong, generalizable conflict - sticking to the path laid down before you or following your passion and "what feels right". Of course, it's an idea that applies to everyone and is at the core of dance dance from the very beginning, but there is very specific commentary in chapters like this about how the Japanese have it rough getting into troupes abroad and there is already the troupe laid out before Junpei he could stick with, helping move Japan's ballet forward. I think there is some commentary here on that concept a bit further then just 'follow passions', but rather 'do it while staying true to your country, to the people who raised you up' and 'go where your heart leads you, no regrets'. I think Junpei's (George's) decision in what will happen next will be key in understanding his views on this.

I can deeply relate as well, I grew up in Eastern Europe, got my BSc and MSc there too, the university was proud of me and gave me options, but I decided to go abroad for my PhD, studying in a more international environment. In some sense, I feel like I betrayed my home, but on the other - it's my life and I'm just maximizing my potential. I have some regrets, sure, I threw away a lot of friendships, life abroad can be isolating as hell, but I know I would make the same decision again if given.

Frankly, from the sheer fact the author focused so much on talk about regrets, I think Junpei will try and blow it all up as well and get taught by Blanco. It's also the more likely option just because Blanco got set up now - he needs a redemption arc to want to be involved in ballet again and lose his bitterness. Junpei could him this.

Imho, very exciting stuff brewing this arc.

 

[crazyace18]

Oh man I love Natsuki’s family <3

Thanks for a great scanlation!!!

 

[copperhead]

Natsuki's family is cute.