Review: AGT Finalist, avantgardey 1ST SOLO LIVE

avantgardey: A dance team produced by akane, the choreographer behind “Bubbly Dance,” consisting of 19 members. Established in 2022, they gained recognition in 2023 as finalists on the renowned American famous TV show, "America’s Got Talent," and also performed in the same year's "Kohaku Uta Gassen（紅白歌合戦）,” one of the Japan’s biggest music TV shows. Known as the "mysterious uniformed bobbed-hair group," they have amassed global popularity on TikTok and Instagram. Furthermore, starting from January 20, they held their 1st solo live. Here, we present the highlights from the opening day in Osaka.

Before the show, on the stage, there were original videos introducing merchandise and providing information about the event's guidelines, presented by the members. Producer akane's thoroughness in hospitality, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere even before the start, was evident. The fully packed audience, holding merchandise in hand, reflected the high anticipation for this event.

Amidst the vivid red lights crossing like sirens, the opening was adorned with an intense dance by all members. Each member took the spotlight one by one, introducing themselves. The first song, “Cinderella Honeymoon” by Hiromi Iwasaki, showcased a flawless performance from fingertips to where they look. The fantastic blend of comical and serious look added to the charm. The distinctive facial expressions unique to avantgardey, witnessed live, prompted laughter and cheers from the audience.

akane, having once been a coach of the dance club at Tomioka High School, where she now set the stage as the "Private avantgardey School" in a parody video of the drama "Joou no Kyoushitsu （女王の教室）”. akane played the role of "akane Maya," the homeroom teacher, with the students being the members of avantgardey.

As the video unfolds, the song “Money, Money, Money” by ABBA starts playing. The performance, featuring the same captivating routine seen in avantgardey’s final performance on “America’s Got Talent,” evokes a thrilling sense of excitement. The intensity is so overwhelming that some describe it as “scary.” The medley seamlessly transitions into akane's iconic creation, the “Bubbly Dance” song, “Dancing Hero” by Yoko Oginome. Throughout the song, there are moments when only a few members grace the stage, enhancing the impact when the entire ensemble comes together. With 19 members on the stage, they effortlessly manipulate formations without checking positions, showcasing a breathtaking synchronization. The audience is left in awe, momentarily forgetting to blink in the face of such mastery.

The continuation of the footage labeled "Private avantgardey School" reveals the start of a swimming competition, sports festival, and cultural festival. Members appear in swimsuits, presenting a artistic swimming (synchronized swimming) performance adapted for land, featuring clear body lines despite the distinct uniforms symbolizing avantgardey. The audience erupted in applause for their perfectly coordinated performance, from angles to every detail.

In GARO's number of “Gakuseigai no Kissaten（学生街の喫茶店）,” they showcased a dance incorporating pantomime with school bags. The poignant expressions matching the lyrics left a lasting impression. The song that particularly stood out with choreography synchronized with the lyrics is "Anata dake mitsumeteru（あなただけ見つめてる）” by Maki Ohguro, captivating the audience with their impressive and sharp dance.

The entertaining radio calisthenics, infused with avanguardy's characteristic comical arrangements, marked the beginning of the sports festival segment. The members engaged in activities such as tug-of-war and audience-participatory ball-rolling race, creating a sense of unity and camaraderie.

Furthermore, in the cultural festival scene, they showcased trendy acts such as Jamboree Mickey and MATSUKENSAMBA as individual performances, energizing the atmosphere. To conclude, synchronizing with the original karaoke video featuring the members, they led the audience in a heartfelt chorus of “Makenaide（負けないで）". They skillfully intertwined laughter, showcasing the spirit of the group hailing from Osaka.

The conclusion of the main performance was set as a graduation ceremony, showcasing it with Yuki Saito's “Sotsugyou（卒業）.” Even within ballet-style dances, the unique choreography revealed the essence of avanguardy.

For the encore, they appeared in purple costumes with "Idol" by YOASOBI. Their demeanor, which had been focused on humor just moments before, underwent a remarkable transformation. The energy overflowing from the intro was palpable, creating an incredible contrast that gives audience goosebumps. Before the last song, they taught the choreography to the fans, and the entire crowd danced to Machiko Watanabe's “Kamome ga tonda hi（かもめが翔んだ日）.” The members, standing close to the audience to the back rows, filled the fans with smiles through their funny facial expressions.

In less than two years since their formation, avantgardey has already gone viral globally. While I had seen their performances many times through videos, experiencing it live brought an unparalleled intensity. The anticipation of seeing them perform various songs filled me with excitement. Their dance, infused with the soul of Japan, is something I wish to witness shaking the world even more. The announcement of a nationwide tour and the establishment of a fan club only add to the expectation of their continued meteoric rise.

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