I feel fortunate to have been involved with the TomoeArts production of "ODORI: The World of Kabuki Dance" and to have had the opportunity to meet and work with three exceptional dancers from Japan, Fujima Shogo, Izumi Tokuho, and Fujima Mon'yo. The two staff members from the Shochiku Costume Company (Shochiku Isho), Komori Shunsuke and Yoshida Miyuki, also provided a wealth of knowledge about the costumes and costuming and offered a rare opportunity to see what goes on behind the scenes at the kabuki and nihon buyo theaters.

Serving as interpreter for Fujima Shogo at the professional and community workshops, I was able to experience dance classes from the perspective of the instructor, which turned out to be somewhat complicated for me, a complete novice at dance, since the nihon buyo teacher demonstrates everything in mirror image for the students. As it turned out, it was a bit complicated for the workshop participants as well, but they all did a wonderful job and their enthusiasm was inspiring.

The highlight of the series of programs was, of course, the formal performances held on Saturday and Sunday, April 10 and 11. I was asked to present brief introductions to the pieces being performed, which was a great honor and also an incredible learning experience.

I am grateful to Colleen Lanki of TomoeArts for inviting me to be a part of this project, and am thrilled to have had this opportunity to meet so many enthusiastic supporters in our Vancouver community as well as our guest performers from Japan and guest speaker and Kabuki expert Julie Iezzi from the University of Hawai'i. 

Things are heating up for the kabuki dance events in Vancouver this week. The performers arrived this morning, baggage containing wigs and costumes intact, and our guests surprisingly energetic after their long flight. We lost no time settling in for some last-minute planning of rehearsal and program scheduling and getting to know each other over lunch. The cold rain is not cooperating for their first day in Vancouver, but even the weather looks promising for this weekend's events.

There are still a few tickets left for the Saturday performance and even more for the Sunday show, but they're selling fast, so be sure to call the box office at 604-822-2678 for your tickets.