English Dub Review: The World Is Dancing “Concealed Feelings”

Overview (Spoilers Below):
Oniyasha and Zojiro have decided to collaborate, but that doesn’t mean everybody is happy about it.  Meanwhile, Chiharu struggles with feelings of inadequacy.

Our Take:
In a surprising turn of events, Oniyasha and Zojiro form an unlikely alliance before the competition’s final round.  Once opponents, they find common ground in dance, especially when they learn the Shinza troupe is performing a Sarugaku dance.  That routine, in particular, is known as the “Shiokumi”, or the “Dance of the Brine Maidens”, which relies heavily on narrative and song and requires two main performers.  Surely, it would be enough to draw the crowd wild, right?  Well, it’s a bit more complicated than that.  This is one of the dance routines whose emotion and atmosphere drive the story’s translation, which Oniyasha and Zojiro realized after encountering a noble named Nijo Yoshimoto.  If that name sounds familiar, you might know that Nijo Yoshimoto is a court noble and a waka poet.  Of course, he’s also apparently a crazy pervert, according to the anime.
“Concealed Feelings” further emphasizes this performing art through its translation.  While its surface can be pleasing to the eye, what’s beneath it makes dance more than a routine, especially in the message it conveys.  That’s why modern dance performances, including those from ballet, remain relevant today.  It’s not just the performance itself, but also the atmosphere and subtle messaging that complement it.  It’s too bad the Dengaku group is so stubborn toward Oniyasha that they don’t understand this until the end.  On the one hand, “Concealed Feelings” does a good job portraying Oniyasha’s unlikely cooperation with Zojiro, as well as Chiharu’s brief struggles with her imperfections.  On the other hand, its blend of comedy and drama is still pretty messy, especially Yoshimoto’s questionable actions toward Oniyasha, which I found more disturbing than funny.