Welcome to the Ballroom

From 2016 onward, Kodansha USA has brought Tomo Takeuchi’s vibrant manga series Welcome to the Ballroom to English-language readers. Centered on a shy teenager who stumbles into the high-stakes world of competitive ballroom dancing, the story blends intense athletic drama with elegant artistry. Takeuchi both writes and illustrates the series, with translation by Karen McGillicuddy and Alethea Nibley ensuring the nuanced dialogue and cultural details shine. Its 12-issue run captures the tension and grace of a sport rarely explored in comics, making it a standout for fans of character-driven sports narratives.