Salon Series No.53 explores major two genres in Japanese legends, Yamanba and Hataori Monogatari, through discussion, and presentation of two dances. Yamanba (Old Woman in the Mountain), a Kabuki dance in Tokiwazu music, and the Weaving Crane, inspired by the folk taleTsuru no Ongaeshi (Return of the Gratitude by the Crane) choreographed by Sachiyo Ito will be performed.

Through the performances of the Kabuki Dance Shigure Saigyo and the classical Sankyoku music, Kajimakura, Salon Series No. 52 will explore the life of Asobime (Play Girl) and Shirabyoshi (Shrabyoshi Dancer). They are the medieval entertainers, described as the profane, and yet who served a sacred role in Japanese history. Originally a Noh play adapted to a Kabuki dance, Shigure Saigyo, surrounds an episode about a poet /monk Saigyo and a courtesan/Boddhisattva, while Kajimakura is about the impermanence of entertainers’ lives.

The Salon Series No. 51 will explore expressions of love through dance in the east and west, specifically, in Japan and Spain, based on the premise that dance is a mirror of culture. The program will present classical dances of each country, as well as contemporary dances in traditional styles, followed by a joint improvisation. An excerpt from Kyoganoko Musume Dojoji will be performed by Sachiyo Ito and accompanied by Sumie Kaneko.