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In most yosakoi teams, there is an outstanding spot that can be filled only by the most skillful dancers - the flagbearer. They stand out the most during the performances when they wave colorful flags above everyone else. They gather the attention of the viewers as they dance in front or in the back of the team, leading or closing the parade.

Sakuramai Poland International Team flagbearers (Photo credits: Remy)

Dancing with the flag requires a high level of skill, practice and considerable strength. The size of the flag varies and can be as wide as seven metres! The role of the flagbearer can be fulfilled by both female and male dancers, but the biggest flags are usually carried by men. The flag bearer may even learn their own special version of the choreography in order to match the team?s movements.

We asked one of the Sakuramai Poland International Team flagbearers, Karolina, about her experience with the flags in Kochi this summer.

?I loved it,? she says right off the bat, ?I fell in love with the flags almost 10 years ago, even before I knew what yosakoi was. They were just so cool! I adore the big, three-meter ones, but they are way above my league.

Karolina with the flag (Photo credits: Remy)

There was a big difference in the mechanics of the dance, the choreography and the movements. The flags have their own weight, especially when they wrap around you when dancing. You have to take care of a lot more things at once.? Karolina explains.

?I stressed a lot before the first performance started, but then I just followed our jikatasha and the music carried me on?, says Karolina. ?Challenging as it was, I would do it again in a heartbeat.?

Karolina with the team on the main stage (Photo credits: Remy)

// Ela