A Showcase of Japanese Dance Practice
At the Japanese dance class I attend, we hold an internal performance twice a year exclusively for students. The participants include both adults and children from the culture center.
If the event is hosted at the teacher’s studio, students who directly attend that studio may also participate.
So far, I have taken part in four of these performances.
First Time Participation
My first showcase was held at our usual classroom. Although the location and members were familiar, I was still nervous about performing in front of an audience.
Second Time Participation
The second showcase took place in a larger community hall.
The teachers wore white makeup and presented beautiful dances. I performed two pieces with a few other students.
Even though I was nervous beforehand, especially since it was my first time dancing on a proper stage, having rehearsed beforehand helped ease my nerves once I was on stage. A few days later, I received a DVD of the recorded performance, but I still haven’t had the courage to watch it because I feel embarrassed.
Third Time Participation
The third performance was held at the teacher’s practice studio. For this one, I wore a kimono given to me by my master, coordinating with the other students. Upon closer inspection, I realized that the colors of my obi and kimono blended too much, resulting in a less-than-ideal outfit.
Fourth Time Participation
The fourth performance was also at the teacher’s studio, and this time I paired my kimono with a different obi. I selected one from a few options with the teacher’s guidance, and as expected, her choice created a wonderful ensemble.
Benefits of Participating
While the showcase does come with costs (and the breakdown can be unclear), the experience of performing in front of others, even familiar faces, motivates me to practice more seriously.
Additionally, seeing the accomplishments of my fellow students serves as great inspiration. Completing a dance piece brings a sense of achievement, making participation enjoyable.
Interestingly, with each passing showcase, the number of adult students has decreased, and I currently find myself as the only adult participant in the class. While it’s a bit lonely, it’s a significant advantage to progress at my own pace.
Things That Surprised Me About the Customs of Japanese Dance
Classes in traditional Japanese arts like dance have unique aspects.
As I briefly mentioned regarding costs, another element is that when organizing performances, students are often expected to volunteer for various tasks.
I once helped out at a showcase held at the teacher’s home, where my responsibilities included greeting guests, guiding them to their seats, serving tea, and cleaning up afterward. I was completely exhausted by the end of the event.
By the way, the participation fee for the showcase is not cheap.
However, I believe this is a common expectation in the realm of traditional Japanese arts, not just specific to my teacher.
Stories from My Teacher’s Past
It seems that my teacher often helps out other seniors as well.
When I hear stories from my teacher’s own training days, I learn about challenges that are hard to imagine in today’s world.
For instance, during summer practices, while the master enjoyed a cool breeze from a fan, my teacher and her peers were not allowed to be in front of the fan and had to practice drenched in sweat. Despite such difficulties, my teacher is always kind and supportive toward us, which I deeply appreciate.
We Can Continue Japanese Dance at Any Age
I digress, but during the showcases, we can also watch the teachers perform. My old master, now in her 80s, still dances actively. To me, she is a seasoned professional, and I admire her dedication to continuous improvement. One of the charms of Japanese dance is that it can be pursued at any age.
In summary, this has been my account of the Japanese dance showcase, along with a glimpse into its more challenging aspects.
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