Photo= Kiyoka, holding her championship diploma and trophy (left) and Yuka, who was ranked among the top five (Dance Office One, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto)

Professional tap dancer sisters from Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, achieved good results in an international competition for contemporary dance. Kiyoka Nakanishi, the older sister, won first prize, while Yuka Nakanishi, her younger sister, was ranked among the top five. As both of them performed dances that involved jazz elements in the competition, they said, "These results have given us confidence that we can also perform as jazz dancers."

The two became champions at a world tap dance competition in Portugal two years ago. Although they are currently active as the tap duo "Puspa," they have also learned other dance styles, such as jazz dance, ballet and so on, since childhood.

This time they performed in the "International Ballet and Contemporary Dance Competition" in Italy in mid-March, for the Professional Contemporary category, where competitors aged 20 or over participated. Fourteen dancers, selected mainly from European countries, performed competitively.

Kiyoka won first place with a bold performance showcasing flexibility and lithe movements with her body swaying diagonally, distinctive to Jazz dance. Yuka gained the title of "Top 5" with her graceful interpretation of the world of a musical piece with a love theme, choreographed by herself. In the awards announcement, the top five performers are named, followed by the ranking of the top three. The other two are not ranked, but referred to as "Top 5."

Looking back on the competition, Kiyoka said, "I enjoyed dancing." Yuka said, "I am happy because even choreography with no daring moves was highly regarded." In the future, they also want to expand their activities as professional dancers into fields outside of tap.