1. Ryan Aslami, Patrick Chinnavaso, Gerald Choi, Nori Sugiura
“Shall We Dance?”
Ryan Aslami, Patrick Chinnavaso, Gerald Choi, Nori Sugiura

2. Agenda Movie Synopsis Cultural Topics Cultural Taboos
Collectivism, Career Success, Power Distance
Communication Styles
High Context
Breaking Down Barriers
Comparison to American version

3. Movie Synopsis
Background and History
Trailer

4. Movie Synopsis Synopsis Convention of success Dance studio window
Ballroom dance lessons – secret
Infatuation transforms to love of dance
Self-discovery / self-expression

5. Cultural Taboos Ballroom dance culture Why? Culture Wedding
Something new
Other single people
Close physical contact
Looks cool
Culture
Fun, camaraderie
Competitions
Flirty
Music, spontaneity, creativity

6. Cultural Taboos Japanese culture Clip – “Intro”
Discomfort with close physical contact
Avoid direct communications
Dance may have a “dirty” image
Clip – “Intro”

7. Collectivism, Career Success, Power Distance
Clip – “That’s what fathers do”
Collectivism within the family
Clip – Conversation btwn Mr. Sugiyama & Mr. Aoki
Career success vs. quality of life
Image – Mr. Sugiyama’s office
Power distance and collectivism

8. Communication Styles
No interruptions – pausing before responding
Speaking distance
Clip – Mr. Sugiyama meets Mai (dance teacher) in front of the train station

9. High Context
Clip – Mr. Sugiyama tells wife that he will no longer dance
Speaking distance, body language, high context
Clip – Letter from wife
“Good morning. Today, I am going shopping with Chikage (daughter’s name). We’ll be back late. Take care, Masako (wife’s name)

10. Breaking Down Barriers
Clip – Mai teaches Mr. Sugiyama to waltz
Partner dancing vs. Japanese taboos
Clip - Mr. Sugiyama dances with his wife
Physical contact between husband and wife

11. Comparison to American Version
Casting, attitude and style of Mai (Japanese) / Paulina (American)
Communication styles
Use of silence and understated expressions
American familiarity with actors
Private displays of affection between husband and wife
Relationship between wife and detective