u/ComprehensiveLime857

Has anyone seen or heard any indication that there was a pro shot of Metaraji Fes? After a year Long radio show culminating in that festival, I really love for there to be a Blu-ray.

For many of us who came to Babymetal through a lifetime of loving heavy, fast music, the dance aspect can be the first, most obvious, aspect that sets them apart from what feels familiar. I never in my life noticed or cared about dance. My ignorance of the form meant I had almost zero understanding of the work that goes into it, and the lack appeal for me meant no attempts to combat that ignorance with education.

You've heard the same questions or comments from people that have this kind of understanding when they see Babymetal. One might be about wishing the video showed more of the band and less of the dancing. Another common, and more annoying, question is about whether or not the girls play the instruments.

I definitely have wished in the past that the focus could be more on the Kami band. "I know the girls are the actual band, but....."

To many people who grew up with metal or hardcore, dance seems like a superfluous distraction to the music, rather than an expressive element of it. That's where the question about whether or not the women play the instruments comes from. If they don't "play the instruments," then it's hard to ignore the feeling that they "aren't a real band."

Then, something changed. Partly, it came from reading interviews with Mikiko and the others about the thought processes behind the movements. But it was also actually getting to notice the dance as not just "goofy aerobics," but as a form of expression that strengthened the music. Those of you who already had this understanding will think, "duh! Of course!"

Thanks to Babymetal, my eyes have been trained to see how the movements in dance supplement the notes of the guitars or the beats of the drums in a way that enhances everything about the performance. Even more importantly, the answer to the question of "do the girls play the instruments" becomes a resounding YES, they do! Their bodies are their instruments. Su's voice is her instrument. They all play their instruments with the virtuosity and passion of their Kami band counterparts.

I am grateful to have had my mind opened in this way, as I near my 50s. If I were to point out two moments when I can specifically mention that made the dancing click for me, it would be two songs:

The first would be Kagerou. The dancing in that song flows in such a way that I remember really captivating me more than the other songs. I also know I was able to re-experience other songs with new eyes after the Kagerou choreography enchanted me.

The second would be when they played Brand New Day live with Scott and Tim. In the pro-shot, you get to see a little bit of the dance during the guitar solos before the camera cuts to spotlight the guitarists. This was the first time I remember thinking, "no, go back to the dance!" Mikiko's choreography during guitar solos--something I never would have thought would be put to dance like this--are some of the most interesting moments on stage for me.

Anyone else have an experience like this with learning to love dance as an art form through Babymetal? If so, what are some of your favorite experiences or songs that helped to open your mind?

How long is their set as an opener? I have no interest in staying for Yungblud, personally.

This post may come off as harsh or judgmental, but I am curious about anyone’s true thoughts.

Does anyone read stories or watch content of people talking about topics like this and feel like they are watching a nature documentary about another species?

I have been outspoken on here about the personal challenges I have had because of my asexuality, but seeing things like this and reading the comments makes me really appreciate I am who I am.

Everything is conflated with sex.
Male loneliness epidemic? I’m not getting sex.

Reduced connection and increased isolation? Not getting sex.

Side note, Cis white men really are the worst.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DX7HylrxKfP/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==