Tribe Cool Crew

Tribe Cool Crew is an engaging dance-themed anime series that debuted on TV Asahi in 2014. Embracing the heart of street dance culture and the power of friendship, the show successfully managed to captivate audiences of both young children and adults, bridging the gap between different age groups through its universally appealing themes and compelling artwork.

The story revolves around the experiences of the protagonist, Haneru Tobitatsu, a middle schooler laden with an intense passion for dance. The spirited young boy is particularly enamored with an intricate dance style known as Jey El, often lurking in the shadow of Dance Road, an arcade where various dance crews assemble and demonstrate their prowess.

Parallel to Haneru's story, the show features another lead character, Kannazuki Kanon, a classic example of an introverted girl with a hidden talent. Even though dancing helps her escape from her shy personality, Kanon finds it hard to reveal her hobby due to her fear of what her classmates might think.

Their worlds collide as, after school, Haneru makes his way to his favorite spot, a secluded alley, to practice his dances moves. Unbeknownst to him, this very same alley is likewise Kanon's secret dance-floor. Once the duo cross paths and discover each other's shared love for dance, they eventually decide to come together to form a dance team, dubbed 'Tribe Cool Crew'.

As the episodes unfold, Tribe Cool Crew sees the participation of more eclectic characters, embodying diverse backgrounds, style preferences and perspectives. The crew members include Kumo, a rhythmic and seasoned dancer with a tough exterior but a soft heart, Mizuki, a cool and collected dance pro that never shies away from taking the lead, and Yuzuru, a handsome idol who's polished and always ready for the spotlight. Together, they make up a formidable dance team, and their chemistry keeps audiences hooked, their powerful performances setting new standards for dance in their town.

Tribe Cool Crew manages to successfully integrate the intensive world of dance into an anime context, educating and entertaining viewers about different dance styles and techniques, ranging from hip-hop to breakdancing and Jey El. The frequent dance battles between Tribe Cool Crew and rival gangs highlight this aspect, showcasing the impressive choreography and pulsating background music that aptly capture the heated intensity and artistic flair of each showdown.

The animation in Tribe Cool Crew is noteworthy as well. The visual effects are dynamic, with a keen attention to the intricate details of dance movements, ensuring that viewers get an authentic feel of the dance sequences. The characters themselves are designed with a certain vivacity, each one having unique personal traits beautifully complemented by their individualistic dance styles.

Notably, the show does not confine itself to dance alone; it integrates diverse sub-plots along the way featuring themes of friendship, drama, rivalry, and adolescent issues that make it a relatable watch and contributes to the overall depth of the storyline. The characters evolve personally and professionally, their interactions creating a strong bond that runs deep within the crew.

Furthermore, the anime cleverly underscores the significance of embracing one's individuality and holding on to dreams while dealing with societal pressure and personal fears, making it an emotionally resonant and motivational watch.

On the surface, Tribe Cool Crew appears as a typical children's show, but underneath, it's much more complex, offering life lessons wrapped in dance metaphors and marking a significant symbolism that can be interpreted by a diverse audience irrespective of their age or understanding of dance.

In conclusion, Tribe Cool Crew, regardless of where you're coming from or what your primary interests are, is an energetic, uplifting, and inspirational anime series that not only feeds one's fascination with dance but also kindles a thirst for art, culture, friendship, and personal growth. Its unique blend of superb animation, vibrant characters, and the inspiring narrative make it a viewing experience that simply shouldn't be missed.