50th Anniversary Concert: Japanese Classical, Contemporary and Okinawan Dance
Saturday September 30, 2006, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Commemorating the 50th anniversary of Sachiyo Ito’s debut in Japan, Sachiyo Ito and Company will present a concert of Japanese classical, contemporary, and Okinawan dance on September 30, 2006 at the Michael Schimmel Center for Performing Arts at Pace University, New York City. The concert marks the 25th Anniversary of Sachiyo Ito and Company as a not-for-profit organization and the 34th year of performances by Sachiyo Ito in New York.
The company has chosen rarely performed and significant dances for the occasion. All members of the company participate in the opening auspicious work, Pine Tree, which symbolizes prosperity and longevity, most appropriate for this event. Other highlights include the lively Ayatsuri Sambaso (Marionette Sambaso), performed by Sachiyo Ito and the guest artist from Japan, Shogo Fujima. In contrast is the dramatic Shigure Saigyo (Saigyo in the Autumnal Rain), also performed by Shogo Fujima and Sachiyo Ito. Shigure Saigyo, a Kabuki dance created in 1864 based on the 14th century Noh play, “Eguchi,” recounts an episode of the great Japanese poet Saigyo with a courtesan who becomes a venerable Boddhisattva. The waka poems exchanged between these two are well known in the history of Japanese literature.
The second part of the program consists of two revivals choreographed and performed by Ito: Moon Child on her childhood at the time of her debut, and Moonlight. The third number, Warabi Gam (Child-God), is accompanied by live Okinawan music and two singers.
Other works of note on the program are Okinawan dances Hama-chidori (Plovers on the Beach) and Kariyuhsi no Mai (Celebration Dance) performed by five guest artists from Okinawa and Kanayo performed by Ito. Some contemporary works among the Okinwan repertory were choreographed in the late 19th century about 25 years ago by Ito’s mentor, Takako Sato. The program’s climax is Shishimai (Lion Dance), performed by two strong male guest dancers from Okinawa. Lion dances and dragon dances are prevalent as auspicious pieces in Asia, but any audience can appreciate the unique Okinawan lion dance, rarely performed in the west.
Sachiyo Ito was the first artist to present Okinawan dance in New York City in 1978. For more then two decades her company has been the only New York based professional dance company to present Okinawan dance and the lesser known dances of Japan.
Sachiyo Ito and Company has received a great deal of critical acclaim for such significant performances. The New York Times writes, “Miss Ito’s gestures are carefully crafted and purged of any excess. Unhurriedly, they advance the story and create the mood with exceptional grace.”
LOCATION: The Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts, Pace University, NYC
MORE INFO: Sachiyo Ito & Company 212-627-0265
Japanese Dance and Okinawan dance
Saturday August 12, 2006, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
LOCATION: Untermyer Park, Yonkers, NY
MORE INFO: http://www.untermyer.com/
Traditional Dance Intensive Workshop: from Edo, Kyoto, to Okinawa
May 31 to June 2, 2006, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
June 3 to June 4, 2006, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
LOCATION: Japan Society, NYC
MORE INFO: Sachiyo Ito & Company 212-627-0265
Salon Series No. 26: Contemporary Okinawan Dance: Creative Dances in the 20th and 21st Centuries
Sunday May 21, 2006, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Special Guests: New York Okinawa Sanshin Club.
LOCATION: Tenri Cultural Institute, 43A West 13th Street, between 5th & 6th Avenues, New York City
MORE INFO: Sachiyo Ito & Company 212-627-0265
Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival)
April 29 - 30, 2006, 1:15 AM – 2:15 PM
Japanese Classical and Okinawan Dance.
Free Children’s Dance Workshop at 3:30 – 4:15pm on the 29th.
LOCATION: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11225 at the Cherry Esplanade Main Stage
MORE INFO: http://www.bbg.org/
Arts of Japan Celebration
Friday March 31, 2006, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Japanese Classical and Okinawan Dance.
LOCATION: The Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C.
MORE INFO: Sachiyo Ito & Company 212-627-0265
Salon Series No. 25 Rituals as Sources of Creative Dance, and Comparison of Dance Forms: Korean, Japanese, and Okinawan Dance
Sunday March 26, 2006, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Special guest: Sue Yen Park, Director of Korean Traditional Performing Arts Association.
LOCATION: Tenri Cultural Institute, 43A West 13th Street, between 5th & 6th Avenues, New York City
MORE INFO: Sachiyo Ito & Company 212-627-0265
Salon Series No. 24 Geisha, Courtesan, and Fugen Boddhisattva
Sunday January 29, 2006, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Salon Series No. 24 will explore the arts and the social roles of geisha, courtesans, and priestesses, and their relationship with Fugen Bosatsu, one of the Boddhisattvas, who helps sentient beings toward enlightment. Sachiyo Ito will perform a dance performed by geisha, and another dance depicting a geisha, a courtesan, and Fugen Bosatsu. She will also give a talk discussing their close relationship—a unique cultural phenomenon of Japan. Dances in the program will include: Kurokami, Kishi no Yanagi, and an excerpt from Shigure Saigyo.
LOCATION: Tenri Cultural Institute, 43A West 13th Street, between 5th & 6th Avenues, New York City
MORE INFO: Sachiyo Ito & Company 212-627-0265