Salon Series No. 47 on June 23, 2013
Chinese Opera and Japanese Classical Theater and Dance: Their Gestures and Stylization
Guest Artist: Yong Jhong Jia
The guest artist and Sachiyo Ito presented a co-demonstration on gestures, and abstraction and stylization of gestures in acting and dancing, followed by performances from Kun Opera and Kabuki dance. The highlight of the program was the collaboration on a Chinese poem sung as a Chinese opera, in Japanese melody, and choreographed/danced by Sachiyo Ito as a new Japanese dance.
Salon Series No. 46 on April 7, 2013
Okinawan and Indonesian Dance and Music
Guest Artist: Amalia Suryani with Saung Budaya
The program examined similarities and differences between Okinawan dance and Indonesian dance through demonstration of dance movements. Ms. Suryani and Sachiyo Ito gave a co-demonstration on the basics of dance forms focusing on hand gestures. Several Okinawan and Indonesian dances were performed to illustrate the demonstration.
Salon Series No. 45 on February 3, 2013
Gestures in Japanese Dance and Mime
Guest Artist: Yass Hakoshima
The Japanese are known to be less verbal. The program examined why and how we use them in daily life and if any of those are reflected in dance. The mime artist and Sachiyo Ito gave demonstrations to illustrate how a mime draws gestures from daily life as a comparison. To gain further insight, excerpts from Kabuki dances, Haru no Umi choreographed by Ito as well as the guest’s Fisherman were performed.
Salon Series No. 44 on June 17, 2012
The Art of Walking
Guest Artists: Marnie Thomas, Wendy Whelan
The program encompassed various dance disciplines from Japanese classical dance and Okinawan dance to ballet, and contemporary dance to exhibit the walk, the very basic of dance techniques. The co-demonstration of walking techniques was followed by a dace work from each artist. The cultural and social meanings that affect the dance forms were discussed.
Salon Series No. 43 on May 20, 2012
Meditation in Sound and Movement
Guest Artist: Ralph Samuelson
For the first time in 14 years of Salon Series, the program was presented as a workshop. Participants chose to learn Walking meditation or, Shakuhachi meditation, or both. The Japanese bamboo flute, the shakuhachi, is associated with Zen Buddhism from 16th century Japan. Playing Honkyoku pieces is referred as Sui-zen (blowing Zen), and focuses on breath and concentration with the mind of Za-zen (sitting Zen meditation). The Shakuhachi master taught how to breathe in to flute, while Sachiyo Ito led a walking meditation in the tradition of Community of Mindfulness. A dance created as a dedication to Japan's Earthquake victims concluded the program.
Salon Series No. 42 on March 11, 2012
Seiza, the Japanese Way of Sitting in the Arts and Life
Guest Speaker: Jeremy Baber
Seiza, the Japanese way of sitting on the knees, was explained as it exists in life and the arts. An excerpt from a typical Japanese classical dance, Kagamijishi, was followed by a discussion on how the Japanese sit and also in the arts such as tea ceremony with a brief demonstration of tea ceremony, and how it is used in dance. The physical therapist explained about the functions of knees and muscles and issues in Japanese-style sitting.
Salon Series No. 41 on June 26, 2011
At the Still Point of the Turning World
Guest Artists: Elena Rivera, Beth Griffith, and Egil Rostad
The program opened with the discussion on the influence of Japanese Theater on Western Theater and Literature. Following was the dance, Hagoromo from Noh Theater, which influenced western theater artists in 19th-21th century, while a new dance inspired by At the Still Point of the Turning World in Four Quartets By T.S. Eliot was created by Ito with cello and vocal.
Salon Series No. 40 on May 22, 2011
What makes Japanese Art?
Guest Artists: Masayo Ihigure, T. Kenjitsu Nakagaki, Kaoru Watanabe, John Stevenson, Dale Walkonen
The program was a collaboration of artists in various disciplines from dance, music, calligraphy, and literature. The program will begin with a haiku written and read as appropriate to season, place, occasion, followed by calligraphy on the Haiku. Inspired by Haiku, writing and image, dance, and musicians on Koto, fue, and drum unfolded the program as an improvisation. Poetry in western style and haiku weaved through the improvisation as it develops. Post-performance discussion focused on Japanese aesthetics that thread through different forms of Japanese art, “What makes Japanese art?”
Salon Series No. 39 on March 27, 2011
Butoh and Japanese Dance Tradition
Guest Artists: Vangeline
Featured Butoh, the world-renowned contemporary dance originated in Japan in 1960s. Vangeline, Artistic Director of Vangeline Theater, will demonstrate the techniques, talk about her philosophy, and perform her work, Ritual.To guide an insight as to how their techniques and philosophy are derived from the tradition and cultural roots of Japan, Sachiyo Ito will join in the demonstration, and presents a dance based on the theme of ritual.
Salon Series No. 38 on May 23, 2010
Joy of Okinawan Dance and Music
Guest Artists: New York Okinawa Sanshin Club
Music and Dance of Okinawa withe folk themes, and audience participation in Kachashi, the improvisation dance, uniquely Okinawan.
Salon Series No. 37 on April 4, 2010
Modernity in Tradition
Guest Artists: Rajika Puri, Steve Gorn, Ralph Samuelson
Asian Collaboration: Japanese and Indian Dance and Music
The dancers and musicians trained in classical traditions will collaborate to create contemporary works.
Salon Series No. 36 on February 7, 2010
Fue and Shakuhachi
Guest Artists: Nobuko Miyazaki, Ralph Samuelson, Ann Marie Yoo
The program presents Japanese flutes, fue and shakuhachi demonstation and performance with dances choreographed to the contemporary pieces including the rare arrangement of contemporary music with violin.
Salon Series No. 35 on June 14, 2009
Body Discipline and Healing Arts
Guest Artist: Watru Ohashi
This Salon Series will explore breath work, stance, posture alignment, use of energy called “Chi” (Ki), the idea of Ying/Yang, and centering and balancing of body mind from the view of a dancer and compare with the one of the Asian healing arts practitioner. It is hoped to bring a light on our use of body and awareness through discussions and demonstrations. Okinawan dance will be performed to illustrate the above.
Salon Series No. 34 May 14, 2009
Gagaku and Ancient Songs of Japan
Guest Artist: Tenri Gagaku Society of New York
It is a rare opportunity that we can hear the court music of Japan both inside and outside of the country. Fortunately, Tenri Gagaku Music Society of New York has handed down the music tradition of the Japanese court here in New York. Miko-mai dancers will perform priestess dances, usually performed after the purification rites by the Shinto priestesses. We’ll observe the close relationship of music, dance and religion.
Salon Series No. 33 on March 29, 2009
Sanshin and Shamisen
Guest Artists: Saburo Ochiai, Mausmi Takamizu, Masumi Takamizu
Sanshin, the Okinawan three stringed instrument, was first introduced form China in the 14th century. It was transformed to shamisen on mainland Japan. The former uses snake skin while the latter uses cat skin for the resonant box. Sanshin and shamisen players will talk about the instruments and their music traditions, nd demonstrate how they are played.
Salon Series No. 32 on June 1, 2008
Renku and Dance: An Afternoon of Improvisation
Guest Artists: Penny Harter, William Higginson, and John Stevenson(poets) Masayo Ishigure, James Nyoraku Schlefer, Yukio Tsuji(musicians)
This topic was well received in the 2005 Salon Series No.23, and audiences have continued to ask for a repeat. To meet this popular demand, Salon Series No. 32 will present Renku and Dance again. Following rules for Renku (linked verses) established in the 16th century, haiku and dance are linked and alternated as one inspires the other in improvised performance. Members of the Haiku Society of America, will join in the program. Also, live music accompanying the dance will be improvised by three musicians.
Salon Series No.31 on March 16, 2008
Poetry and Dance: Modern Poetry and Interpretation through Dance
Guest Artists: Hiroaki Sato Mary Myers, Beth Griffin (singers and musician)
In contrast to Salon Series No.30, this program explores modern poetry in the 20th century. Selections from “Chieko-sho,” written by the modern Japanese poet Kotaro Takamura in 1940s, will be read and a dance choreographed to Chieko-sho will be performed to demonstrate a contemporary example of the fusion of dance and poetry.
Salon Series No. 30 on Jan 27, 2007
Poetry and Dance: Waka and Dance
Guest Artist: Lewis Cook, Ph.D.
Waka, the court poetry of the 11-13th century Japan, served as the central vehicle for many of the Noh plays produced in the 14th century. Prof. Cook gave a brief survey of waka, and discussed “Eguchi,” one example of Noh based on waka poems and episodes about the legendary waka poet Saigyo. Also, a Kabuki dance, entitled “Shigure Saigyo” (Saigyo in the Autumn Rain) was performed by Yoshiro Kono and Sachiyo Ito.
Salon Series No. 29 on June 24, 2008
Okinawan Dance and Martial Arts
Guest Artist: Masahiko Honma of Karate–Do
Salon Series No. 29 examined the relationship between Okinawan Dance, particularly the male dance, called Otoko Odori, and martial arts, with a focus on karate. Meh-nu-hama, and Takadera Manzai, from Otoko Odori repertory of Okinawan Dance were performed.
Salon Series No. 28 on May 6, 2007
Gagaku, the Japanese Court Music, and Contemporary Interpretation
Guest Artists: Tenri Gagaku Music Society of New York, Karl Spicer, Mutsumi Takamizu
Salon Series No. 28 presented Gagaku, the Japanese court music, with a talk on the history and tradition of Gagaku by members of Tenri Gagaku Society. Also a choreographed work by Sachiyo Ito as a contemporary interpretation was presented.
Salon Series No. 27 on Feb. 4, 2007
Comparison of Theater and Dance forms between Japan and China
Guest Artists: Ms. Anna Wu, President of the Kunqu Society
Ms. Wu and Sachiyo Ito presented a comparative demonstration on traditions and techniques of dance and theater forms of Japan and China. Members of the Kunqu Society gave a performance as well as Ms. Wu.
Salon Series No. 26 on May 21, 2006
Contemporary Okinawan Dance: Creative Dances in the 20th and 21st Centuries
Guest Artists: New York Okinawa Sanshin Club
Featuring contemporary music and dances in the 20th through 21st century, and to the current popular music, contemporary dances such as Nanyo Hamachidori, and Warabi-gami were presented accompanied live.
Salon Series No. 25 on March 26, 2006
Rituals as Sources of Creative Dance, and Comparison of Dance Forms: Korean, Japanese, and Okinawan Dance
Guest Artists: Sue Yen Park, Director of Korean Traditional Performing Arts Association.
Dance performance and video showing on the Korean shaman’s ritual and Okinawan religious ceremony were resented together with comparative demonstration of the dance forms.
Salon Series No. 24 on Jan 29, 2006
Geisha, Courtesan, and Fugen Bodhisattva
Explored the arts and the social roles of geisha, courtesans, and priestesses, and their relationship with Fugen Bosatsu, one of the Bodhisattvas, who helps sentient beings toward enlightment. Dances in the program included: Kurokami, Kishi no Yanagi, and an excerpt from Shigure Saigyo.
Salon Series No. 23 on Oct. 16, 2005
Renku and Dance: An Afternoon of Improvisation with Linked Verses and Dance
Guest Artists: Four poets from the Haiku Society of America, Terry Ann Carter, Penny Harter, William Higginson, and John Stevenson; Musicians: Yumi Kurosawa, James Schlefer, Yukio Tsuji.
Following rules of Renku (linked verses) established in the 16th century, haiku and dance are linked and alternated, as one inspires the other, and composed as an improvisation.
Salon Series No. 22 on July 10, 2005
Art as an Expression of Ethnic Identity: A Case of Okinawan Court Drama.
Guest Artists: New York Okinawa Sanshin Club
Sachiyo Ito discussed Okinawan court drama--how it was established and came to exemplify Okinawa’s pride in 18th century. The program also featured music and dances from current popular repertory showing that the tradition is alive in New York today.
Salon Series No. 21 on May 22, 2005
An Illusion of Gender Changes in the Japanese Theater and Dance
The techniques of female impersonation in the kabuki theater, and the transformation from female to male, and vice versa in the Japanese classical dance, and the social and cultural background that nurtured the Edo Kabuki was discussed and demonstrated. A kabuki dance, Hokushu, was performed as an illustration of her talk.
Salon Series No. 20 on July 11, 2004
Modernity in Tradition
Guest Artists: Rajika Puri Indian dancer Rajika Puri and Sachiyo Ito demonstrated comparison of the traditional dance forms and departure works choreographed by each. The dancers performed together at the end honoring each culture.
Salon Series No. 19 on May 23, 2004
Okinawan Music and Dance: the Original and Adaptation
Guest Artists: New York Sanshin Club of Okinawa
Okinawan Court Dance and Music were presented together in their newly adopted versions.
Salon Series No. 18 on Mar 28, 2004
Aesthetics of Insanity in the Greek Drama and Japanese Theater
Guest Artist: Prof. John Chioles, New York University
The program addressed the issue of aesthetics of insanity in the Greek drama and Japanese theater, and discussed its underlying meaning of insanity in the two theater traditions. An excerpt from a Kabuki dance drama, Onatsu Kyoran (Onatsu, the Insane) was performed to illustrate the above.
Salon Series No. 17 on Oct 26, 2003
Transformations: Gender Changes in Japanese Dance
Sachiyo Ito gave a demonstration on technique and stylistic differences between female and male roles in Kabuki dance. Sachiyo Ito and Company performed excerpts from Azuma Hakkei, Hokushu, and Danjuro Musume.
Salon Series No. 16 on May 11, 2003
Okinawan Music: Demonstrations on Sanshin
Guest Artists: Jun Yamada, and New York Okinawa Sanshin Club
Demonstration on Sanshin (Okinawan 3-stringed instrument) was presented, and musicians played several pieces from court music and folk music as they accompanied the dances.
Salon Series No. 15 on Jan 12, 2003
Linking Poetry and Dance
A program of improvisation of dance inspired by Haiku, which were composed by audience was presented.
Salon Series No. 14 on Sept 15, 2002
“Egoless ness” in Performance
Guest Artist: James Nyoraku Shlefer
Mr. Schelfer, the Shakuhachi Grand Master of Kinko School, gave a talk on the issue of egoless ness in performance, and played Shakuhachi. Sachiyo Ito danced to his music, “Night Pond” (Composed by Jeffery Lepondorf, choreographed by Sachiyo Ito).
Salon Series No. 13 on Apr 21, 2002
Choreographic Themes in Japanese Classical Dance
Guest Artist: Sahotoyo Tachibana
Exploring the themes in Japanese classical dance—from love stories in Kabuki plays, puppet plays to symbolism in the nature, as expressed in the Japanese poetry several kabuki dances were performed.
Salon Series No. 12 on Jan 20, 2002
Karate and Okinawan Dance
Guest Artists: Isami Shiroma, Grand Karate Master
The program explored if there are similarities in the movement patterns and basic techniques such as use of breath between Karate, the martial art, and Okinawan Dance.
Salon Series No. 11 on Oct 28, 2001
Differences in Choreographic Styles and Movements among Schools of Classical Japanese Dance
Guest Artists: Sahotoyo Tachibana, Tahotae Tachibana
It explored if there were differences in the movement patterns and basic techniques among schools of Japanese dance. Dance demonstrations will include experts from Echigojishi, Asazumabune (kabuki dances) performed in the styles of Hanayagi, Fujima, and Tachibana Schools.
Salon Series No. 10 on Apr 15, 2001
The Concept of Power in Female Style Dance Forms and Narratives in Indonesia, and its Relationship to the Dojoji Legend of Japan
Guest Artist: Deena Burton
Indonesian Dance, Kabuki dance and Okinawan dance were demonstrated by Dr. Deena Burton and Sachiyo Ito, and they explored predominant themes in their dance forms.
Salon Series No. 9 on March 11, 2001
Transformation and the Power of Obsession in Dojoji and Other Kabuki Plays
Guest Artists: Dr. Samuel Lieter, Brooklyn College
Prof.Lieter discussd the theme of transformation in Kabuki plays. Ito performed excerpts from Kyoganoko Musume Dojoji based on a legend surrounding the Dojoji Temple.
Salon Series No. 8 on Jan 14, 2001
The Dojoji Legend and Expression of Love in Kabuki and Okinawan Dance
Eido Shimano Roshi, Abbot, Dai Bosatsu Zendo Kondo-ji and Shobo-ji, discussed the Buddhist morality tale, the Dojoji legend surrounding the bell of Dojoji Temple. Sachiyo Ito discussed Okinawan version of the story and performed excerpts to illustrate their talks.
Salon Series No. 7 on Oct 8, 2000
Hand Movements of Okinawan Dance from Ancient to Modern as Compared to Kabuki Dance
Sachiyo Ito demonstrated techniques of hand movements and gestures of Okinawan dance as she compared those of Kabuki dance. Hamachidori, Nanyo Hamachidori, excerpts from Musume Dojoji were by performed as illustrations.
Salon Series No. 6 on Apr 16, 2000
Styles and Movements of Okinawan dance as Compared to other Dance Forms of Japan
Sachiyo Ito, Ph.D. discussed styles and movements of Okinawan dance. She examined differences and similarities with those of Noh, Kabuki, and Jiuta-mai.
Dance demonstration included Kashikaki Hamachidori and Me nu Hama.
Salon Series No. 5 on Jan 31, 2000
The Art of Jumping and Stamping in Japanese Dance
Sachiyo Ito demonstrated techniques of jumping and stamping in Kabuki dance, and demonstrated sections from Tomoyakko and Tamatori Ama.
Salon Series No. 4 on Oct 31, 1999
The Art of Walking in Japanese Dance
Sachiyo Ito demonstrated techniques of waling in Kabuki dance and Okinawan dance. Hokushu (Kabuki dance) and Nuha-bushi (Okinawan dance) were performed as illustrations
Salon Series No. 3 on Jul 11, 1999
Techniques and Styles of Jiuta-mai as Compared to Kabuki and Okinawan Court Dance Forms
Sachiyo Ito, Ph.D. discussed the techniques and styles of Jiuta-mai, one of the Japanese classical dance forms. Jiuta-mai is gaining a new recognition among various forms of Japanese dance. The demonstration focused on differences and similarities with Kabuki dance and Okinawan court dance, and Kurokami was performed.
Salon Series No. 2 on Mar 14, 1999
Mai, Odori and Buyo (Dance, dance, dance)
Representing various geners of Japanese dance, Hagoromo, Noh, Nishimonai Bon-odori from folkloric dances, and Fuji Ondo and Koma from Kabuki dance repertory were performed.
Salon Series No. 1 on Dec 6, 1998
Matsuri (Festivals) and the Performing Arts
Examining the close relationship between Matsuri (festivals) and the performing arts with a slide lecture by Sachiyo Ito, Ph.D., gave a talk and performed Sambaso, the Kabuki dance, and Kajade-fu, the Okinawan dance.