Wandance Episode 3: A flawed yet heartfelt dive into dance and self-expression

A still from the anime
A still from the anime (Image credit: Madhouse Studio)

Since Wandance Episode 3 was released, fans are talking about how it was one of the most emotionally resonant and visually experimental installments yet. This episode puts a spotlight on Kabo and his struggle with expressing himself through dancing.

While the use of CGI in this show is still questionable at best, Wandance Episode 3 still managed to deliver a heartfelt moment, and this was enough to remind the viewers of this show that it is more than just an anime about dancing, but about characters learning how to communicate in situations when word fails.


The audition: A test of confidence and connection

A still from the anime (Image credit: Madhouse Studio)
A still from the anime (Image credit: Madhouse Studio)

Wandance Episode 3 focuses on the club's internal audition, while this might seem like an insignificant event for characters like Kabo, it is an emotional milestone. Every dancer is supposed to work with a partner, and Kabo is supposed to be paired up with Wanda.

In Wandance Episode 3, we see that as the audition keeps progressing, so does Kabo's anxiety. He is obviously getting stressed as the upperclassmen are giving stellar performances. Soon comes the time for Kabo and Wanda to show their moves.

The vibe of the episode changes as the scene transitions into a stunning underwater metaphor. It is done to make viewers understand the suffocating feeling of being trapped inside one’s own hesitation. And out of the blue, everything changes.

Kabo realizes that when it comes to dancing, he was chasing the music and not dancing with it. Looking at Wanda, who was listening to music and moving to it. It might come off as an insignificant realization, but this gave him the confidence to dance his heart out.


Underwater symbolism and the seahorse motif

A still from the anime (Image credit: Madhouse Studio)
A still from the anime (Image credit: Madhouse Studio)

In Wandance Episode 3, we see how the show depicts Kabo's metaphor of speaking underwater. The animation has elements of fluid underwater sequences, which were supposed to be a symbol of this character's internal suffocation and his slow liberation through movement.

This sequence stands out because of how the production house used its visual creativity to support the emotional weight of the scene. Some fans felt like the CGI was disturbing, but according to this situation, it seems to serve an important purpose.


Wanda’s empathy and their growing bond

A still from the anime (Image credit: Madhouse Studio)
A still from the anime (Image credit: Madhouse Studio)

In this episode, Wanda continues to be an inspiration that pushes Kabo to level up. It is because of her carefree approach to life and dance that counterbalanced Kabo's anxiousness.

When she misses one of their late-night practice sessions, Kabo immediately assumes the worst, a reflection of his self-doubt and insecurity. But it is shown that there was a serious reason for her to miss the practice, her father was not well.

In Wandance Episode 3, we are further shown how she tried to explain her situation, and she ends up sharing a wholesome moment with Kabo. Throughout the episode, the duo have shared time where it shows how their friendship bridges gaps in personality and understanding.


A flawed yet beautiful experience

A still from the anime (Image credit: Madhouse Studio)
A still from the anime (Image credit: Madhouse Studio)

Wandance Episode 3 has caused fans to be confused about this show. It is all because of the fact that it is still struggling to find a good balance between bouncing from CGI to traditional 2D animation.

This combination, not being blended well, is causing some viewers to feel disconnected. Although if we were to look past this technicality and focus on the story, it gets difficult to deny that the show has some gravitas.

From Kabo’s quiet determination, On-sempai’s compassionate mentorship, and Wanda’s infectious energy form the emotional spine of the episode. Watching Kabo leave his shell and dance became a highlight, making non-dancers also want to learn a step or two.


Final thoughts on Wandance Episode 3

In Wandance Episode 3, movement becomes metaphor. While the jury is still out when it comes to being comfortable with this experimental animation style, the storytelling continues to keep its viewers hooked. That is why fans who are sticking around agree that Wandance remains one of this season’s most emotionally honest and thematically rich experiences.

Edited by Nisarga Kakade