Past Forward: An evening of Japanese Traditional Arts

Michiko Kurata will be performing traditional and contemporary Japanese dance (Nihonbuyo) as part of Dance For World Community’s Dance Saturdays at the Sanctuary on Saturday March 23rd, 7pm – 10pm

Experience the mystique of Japan through beautiful traditional dance and music, fierce martial arts and exquisite visual arts.

Saturday March 23rd, 7pm – 10pm
José Mateo Ballet Theater in Harvard Square
400 Harvard St, Cambridge MA
(Use 1151 Massachusetts Avenue entrance)
Tickets: $35 / VIP $125
Purchase tickets at:
https://www.ballettheatre.org/product/traditional-japanese-dance-march-23/

Masters of traditional Japanese dance, music and the arts will gather at this dynamic event to showcase the beauty of Japanese culture. Do not miss this rare opportunity to see authentic kabuki dance and listen to the elegant sounds of koto and shakuhachi and powerful taiko drumming. Experience the martial arts of the samurai through karate, kendo and kobudo performances.

During the intermission, you will have the opportunity to meet some of the artists and other aficionados of Japanese traditional arts while tasting some delicious Japanese foods and drinks. Visit the gallery displaying beautiful kimono, calligraphy and ikebana flower arrangements, and try on the yukata, or Japanese traditional dress.

The current lineup:
Michiko Kurata (Hanayagi Sukekatsumi) – kabuki, geisha and traditional Japanese dance
Minako Itamoto (Fujima Umehana) – nihonbuyo (dance)
Stephen Long – shishimai (lion dance)
Cathleen Read (Ayakano) – koto (zither)
Claudia Erland – koto (zither)
Geni Skendo – shakuhachi (bamboo flute)
Kanoko Kamata – shamisen (string instrument)
Eden Rayz – cello
Odaiko New England – taiko (drum)
Kodokan Boston – karate & kobudo (martial arts)
Callahan’s Karate – kenpo (martial arts)
Boston Kendo Kyokai – kendo (martial arts)
Michiko Imai – shodo (calligraphy)

Intermission:
TBD – Ikebana (flower arrangement)
Izumi Noguchi – kimono collection 
Ara Mahar – kimono collection
Kiyomi Yatsuhashi – aizome (indigo dye art)

Kimono Dressing for performers:
Matsuko Levin (Boston Kimono Academy Wagokoro)
Yumiko Shimada

It will be an amazing evening of stunning beauty and powerful energy. If you like Japanese culture, don’t miss this opportunity to connect with other appreciators of Japanese arts. If you’re not familiar with Japanese culture, don’t miss this chance to experience this incredible event that brings together artists from all aspects of traditional Japanese arts.

This evening will not be possible without the amazing performers. Support the artists by making a contribution that will go directly to them. Any amount is appreciated:
https://www.gofundme.com/japanese-cultural-event…

Download: Flyer 1, Flyer 2