Dancing goes to the dogs in canine-crazy Japan

By Mari Saito

TOKYO (Reuters Life!) - Rumba with your retriever, polka with your poodle, or samba with your Scottish terrier in Japan, where dog dancing is the latest must-do activity in this canine-crazy nation.

Dancing lessons for pets joins a long list of things to do with your animal companion in a country where the pet industry is worth one trillion yen (nearly $9.5 billion) and where dog hotels, cafes and even dog-friendly cars are the norm.

At dance class "Wan Nyan World", which literally means "Woof Meow" in Japanese, dog-lovers and their reluctant partners do a little waltz and a little dog-trot to ABBA's "Dancing Queen".

"Whether it's a Chihuahua or a big St. Bernard, if you have the right music and moves, any dog can dance. Even age doesn't matter," said 51-year-old Mayumi Ozuma, who teaches the class.

"Dog dancing allows owners and their dogs to show their individuality."

For a tasty treat, dogs learn to circle their owners and move between their legs. Classes are held twice a month, and some couples even go on stage to display their skills.

Japan has more dogs and cats nationwide than children under 15, the result of an ageing population and a declining birthrate.

Animals, and dogs especially, are often seen on the streets of Tokyo, dressed up in specially made clothes and being pushed about in strollers by their doting human "mothers".