Wandance [Season 1]

Wandance Season 1: A Dance of Growth, CGI Woes, and Unfinished Rhythms

Let’s cut to the chase: Wandance Season 1 was never going to be perfect. From the moment its first trailer dropped, fans were already side-eyeing the 3D CGI dance sequences—those stiff, almost video-game-like movements that made even die-hard dance anime lovers cringe. But here’s the thing: if you stuck around past the first few episodes, you might’ve found something worth cheering for. This fall 2025 series, based on Coffee’s manga, follows Kabo, a shy student who stumbles into dance after meeting the vibrant Wanda, and let’s just say their journey is as messy as a beginner’s first pirouette—yet somehow, weirdly endearing.

First, the elephant in the studio: the CGI. Let’s be real, it was rough. Like, “why does their hair look like a block of plastic” rough. Early episodes had fans bailing faster than a dancer missing a step, with one reviewer calling it a “huge disappointment” and another admitting they almost dropped it because of the “truly not appealing 3DCGI.” Even those who loved the show couldn’t ignore it—“CGI sucked, but it is what it is,” one fan shrugged. But here’s the twist: by the middle of the season, something shifted. The momentum picked up, and suddenly, the CGI wasn’t the main character anymore. The dance battles got tighter, the music hit harder, and Kabo’s underdog story started to hook people. As one viewer put it, “This started as a 6/10 and finished a solid 8/10”—proof that sometimes, a show can outdance its own flaws.

And let’s talk about Kabo’s journey, because that’s where Wandance truly shines. This isn’t just a dance anime—it’s a story about finding your groove when you feel like you don’t belong. Kabo starts off as a total newbie, his movements awkward and his confidence shakier than a leaf. But as he faces off against rivals like the masked Kabe (who, by the way, wears a mask because he’s insecure about his prosthetic teeth—relatable much?), we watch him grow. The final battle between Kabo and Kabe? Chef’s kiss. Fans called it the “best dance battle of the season,” praising how Kabo “killed it” with improvisation that felt raw and real. One viewer even gushed, “Kabo’s journey as a dancer really hooked me”—and honestly, same. His stutter, his self-doubt, his slow climb to believing in himself? It’s the kind of character arc that sticks with you, even when the CGI makes you squint.

Then there’s Wanda—oh, Wanda. She’s the spark that lights Kabo’s fire, and fans couldn’t get enough of her. “Wanda was the star girl of the season,” one reviewer declared, and it’s easy to see why. She’s not just a love interest; she’s Kabo’s biggest cheerleader, his dance partner, and a force of nature all on her own. Their relationship is slow-burn perfection—no over-the-top drama, just two people who bring out the best in each other. As one fan noted, the “little pieces of romance are done better than in most romcoms”—high praise for a show that’s supposed to be about dance.

But let’s not forget the supporting cast, because they’re the ones who make the dance crew feel like family. On-chan and Iori-kun, with their quirky personalities and unwavering support, add depth to the story, turning a simple dance club into a group of friends who’ve got each other’s backs. Even the rivals, like Kabe, get their moments of vulnerability—his mask isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a symbol of his own insecurities, making him more than just a “bad guy.”

Now, the ending. Oh, the ending. If you’re someone who hates cliffhangers, you’re gonna want to look away. The season wraps up right before the final dance battle of the tournament, leaving fans hanging like a dancer mid-air. “IT JUST FKING ENDS?” one fan yelled, and honestly, same energy. Another lamented, “Ending the season like that was a dick move”—and yeah, it kind of was. But here’s the silver lining: it left everyone begging for more. “I really hope for a Season 2,” multiple fans wrote, crossing their fingers that we’ll get to see Kabo and the crew take home the trophy. And let’s be real—if the show can go from a 6 to an 8 in ratings, it’s got potential.

So, who is Wandance for? It’s for the underdogs, the ones who’ve ever felt like they don’t fit in. It’s for anyone who’s ever tried something new and failed miserably, but kept going anyway. It’s for the people who can look past a little bad CGI to find a story that’s got heart. As one fan put it, “This show has a special place in my heart”—and after watching Kabo’s journey, it’s easy to see why.

Is it perfect? No. The CGI is still a problem, the pacing can be slow, and that cliffhanger? Ugh. But does it matter? For most fans, no. Because at the end of the day, Wandance isn’t about being flawless—it’s about finding joy in the dance, even when your steps are messy. As one reviewer summed it up: “Despite the CG I still loved it.” And honestly, that’s the vibe.

So, if you’re in the mood for a show that’s equal parts cringey and heartwarming, give Wandance a shot. Just don’t judge it by the first episode. Stick around, let the characters grow on you, and maybe—just maybe—you’ll find yourself cheering for Kabo like he’s your own friend. And hey, if you finish it and still want more? The manga’s waiting. As one fan said, “I’m excited to start reading the manga”—and after that finale, who can blame them?

Wandance Season 1 isn’t a masterpiece, but it’s a mess worth loving. And in a world of over-the-top anime, sometimes that’s exactly what you need. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to cross my fingers for Season 2. Let’s hope the studio fixes that CGI—because Kabo and Wanda deserve a victory lap. 🕺💃