Annual Okinawan music and dance showcase at Armstrong Theatre, Apr. 20
Cultural News, March 2008
Utayabira Wuduyabira Okinawan music and dance showcase will introduce twenty schools of the performing arts.
Okinawan folk songs will be featured in Utayabira Wuduyabira show.
From the delicate, graceful movements of elegant court ladies in luxuriant bingata kimono, to the lively, joyful drumbeats of the young exuberant taiko dancers, this annual Okinawan variety show will entertain the audiences with the beauty and charm of the Okinawan performing arts.
The Okinawan Association of America, Inc. Geino-bu (Performing Arts Division) presents its 15th Annual Utayabira Wuduyabira (Let’s Sing, Let’s Dance) at Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance, CA 90503, on Sunday, April 20 at 2 p.m.
The OAA consists of 3000 members with 750 families. Its Geinobu marked the 20th anniversary in 2007.
The two-hour program will showcase the talents of dancers, singers and musicians representing 20 schools of Okinawan music and dance in Southern California. The contents of the program are following:
The opening orchestration, Watazou and Tachiutushuigaci by Nomura-ryu Ongaku Kyodai Hokubei Shibu and Mitsufumi-ryu Taiko Hozonkai Gushi Atsushi Renjo; Hayakuduchi by Nomura-ryu Koten Ongaku Hozonkai and Ryukyu Sokyoku Koyokai Los Angeles Branch.
Minyo songs, Utashi hasikaki te, and Kunjigwa by Akanana Group Nishikawa Atsuko Ryukyu Minyo Kenkyusho.
Dance, Shundo by Miyagi-ryu Nosho-kai Miyagi Nosho Ryubu Kenkyusho. The meaning of “Shundo” is “An Ugly Girl.” There are two pairs of girls; one ugly and the other beautiful. The ugly girls want to join the beautiful girls in play, but the beautiful girls refuse because they are so ugly and dirty. The ugly girls feel disappointed and would disappear to backstage by making some comical movements such as swinging and throwing their buttocks.
Dance, Higasa Odori by Tamagusuku-ryu Kansen-kai Yonamine Keiko Ryubu Dojo.
Minyo songs, Yaima and other by KochiYuki Ryukyu Minyo Kenkyusho.
Minyo songs, Shima akubi and Shiki no tori by Ryukyu Minyo Aikokai.
Minyo songs, Shindensaa-bushi and Honen daiko by Ishihara Haruo Ryukyu Minyo Kyoshitsu.
Koto music, Nariyama aguya and Asadoya yunta by Teruya Katsuko Sokyoku Kenkyukai.
Minyo song, Sensuru by Uezu Yoko Minyo Kenkyusho.
Dance, Kanayo Amaka by Miyagi-ryu Nosho-kai Numata Michiko Ryubu Kenkyusho.
Dance, Kubama-bushi by Majikina Honryu Majikina Aiko Ryubu Dojo.
Contemporary Minyo song, Warabigami by Uezu Yoko Minyo Kenkyusho.
Minyo song and dance, Shinkanayo by Shima Seiichi Ryukyu Minyo Kyoshitsu and Miyagi-ryu Toyomu-kai Arakaki Sachiko Ryubu Kenkyusho.
Taiko dance by Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko. The performers dance and drum simultaneously to an exciting blend of traditional and contemporary Okinawan and Japanese music.
The finale by all performers.
The tickets are on sale for $15. For tickets, call Okinawan Association of America at (310) 532-1929, Michiko Numata at (310) 784-0539, or email mensore@earthlink.net.