Film Club: ‘Dancing Like a ’50s Greaser, in Leather and Denim’

“Dancing Like a ’50s Greaser, in Leather and Denim” is a four-minute film that touches on themes of self-expression, dance and community. It profiles “The Strangers,” who for over 30 years have been dressing like 1950s American greasers and dancing to rockabilly in Tokyo’s Yoyogi Park.

“Indescribably refreshing” is how Kazuyo Inui, the current leader of the group, describes dancing outdoors. But the thing that brings her the most joy is “sharing it with my friends.”

What special interests and passions do you share with others?

Students

1. Watch the short film above. While you watch, you might take notes using our Film Club Double-Entry Journal (PDF) to help you remember specific moments.

2. After watching, think about these questions:

• What questions do you still have?

• What connections can you make between this film and your own life or experience? Why? Does this film remind you of anything else you’ve read or seen? If so, how and why?

3. An additional challenge | Respond to the essential question at the top of this post: Do you have people in your life who share your same passions?

4. Next, join the conversation by clicking on the comment button and posting in the box that opens on the right. (Students 13 and older are invited to comment, although teachers of younger students are welcome to post what their students have to say.)

5. After you have posted, try reading back to see what others have said, then respond to someone else by posting another comment. Use the “Reply” button or the @ symbol to address that student directly.

Want more student-friendly videos? Visit our Film Club column.

Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public.