The Ranch

Dance Dance Resolution (2)

Just like how cultures and traditions on the outside have developed over time to become their own existence, so too has the island's dance culture. It integrates different dance styles and combat arts to create a weaponized genre of dance.

This is not easy, which is why the judges aren't expecting perfection.

"We are looking for synchronization. The ability to time your moves well. Be on time, on beat." The short but muscular Louis rubs his knuckles as he speaks.

"But also, you gotta hit those beats well, make them really pop to capture the audience's attention." G-dog snaps his fingers to emphasize the word 'pop'.

"Body control needs to be good. Ya need a good foundation for both dance and martial arts."

The lanky James nods,"Most importantly, you have to fight well while doing it."

"They won't be basing their pick off of who is stronger, but who integrated all of these aspects the best." Concludes Simon D.

"We've already done background checks to make sure none of the judges have any relations to the contestants. But just in case, you all promise to remain unbiased?" He wears a joking smile.

"We're talking about our reputation here man, of course we're not gonna smear it." James slaps the balcony.

"Yes yes, just making sure. We do have the famous and respected Instructor Kane battling it out today. I just wanted to make sure no one was a secret fan?" His attitude immediately switched from subservient to question, just like a grade-A reporter would.

"Even if we were, we wouldn't stoop that low. Not only would giving out the win for such a reason be an insult to Dance Combat, it would also be an insult to Instructor Kane." Louis says very seriously.

"You hear that Instructor Kane? No brownie points for you." The screens show an image of two teams that just watched the explanation of the game. The other two teams have yet to know what the game is and will watch a recording when it's their turn. This gives the teams minimal time to prepare.

"I wouldn't expect any less." Kane quirks his lip, surrounded by his team. They take up half the screen. The other half is taken up by their opponents.

"Good, then we'll start the game immediately. A battle between the Gladiators and Poseidon!" The two teams enter the arena floor and jump atop the square platform.

"This...might be bad." Sherlock's face twitches.

Pierre looks down at the three specks on stage," Can any of them dance?"

Theodore hesitated to say, " I'm not sure, but I once heard Kai try to sing and he was off beat..."

"He sings off key too." Theo adds even though it's useless toward their current conversation.

The other team on the balcony is also discussing their teacher's potential dance skills.

Kane and two disciples stand on one side. Henri, Basile, and Kai stand on the other side of the platform.

"Yer Tih's friends, right? In light of that, I'll try to go easy on you." Kane grins.

"Instructor Kane, I Don't Believe You're Concern Is Needed, So Please Don't Worry About That Sort Of Thing." The same smile remains on Henri's face earlier, but staring at it too long will make one feel two degrees colder.

"Heh, I see. Then I won't hold myself back?" Kane quirks an eyebrow. His posture lazily leaning against his disciple with his elbow on the shorter disciples shoulder, like he's leaning against a wall.

Instructor Henri nods politely, his smile returning to normal. No matter how unsatisfied he is for being underestimated, he's not the type to hold grudges...at least not for small matters such as this.

Kane combs back his undyed white back with his finger, taking care of the strands that were getting in his eyes. His light blue orbs land on Basile. "Twiiiiins." He points at his hair and the kids, emphasizing the similarity. " You albino kid?"

Basile takes one look before turning his head, ignoring the higher ranked man. Some in the audience are miffed by the newbie's lack of respect, but then they conclude that it's due to his naive arrogance at making it this far in the tournament and accept this self-explanation.

Meanwhile...

~~~~~~~

Ahhh, I should've packed more salty snacks before coming. I can't fill my cravings with sweet or spicy food right now. Ughh, I really wish I stocked sour gummies, or tanghulu, or Droëwors, or kimchi, or gooseberry pie, or umeboshi onigiri, or sugared cranberries...

~~~~~~~

Zoning out, Basile doesn't hear the announcer start speaking. "We'll play three songs, each two minutes long. Then you'll have five minutes to discuss among your team to designate each song and either come up with some semblance of a routine or freestyle."

Gilroy, G-dog, bumps in," Advice. Memorize the tempo."

"And remember, you'll also be fighting an opponent while dancing." Louis helps.

Giving them all these decisions will test quick thinking skills, adaptation, and memory as they're not allowed to hear the song again. The audience is intrigued and starts speculating outcomes and participants' fighting styles.

"Play the first song!"