Epworth Break Dance
The Fujinami Kai, founded in the Spring of 1957 in Portland, maintains and passes on to new generations, the art and discipline of traditional, classical Japanses dance (Nihon buyo). The mission of the Fujinami Kai is to perpetuate the legacy and heritage of Japanese dance, and to teach others about the art form, to help them gain a greater understanding of Japanese dance and culture. Garbed in the brilliant multi-layered silks of this Kabuki style dance, the members of Fujinami Kai perform classical, folk and contemporary pieces. Fujinami Kai means “Waves of Wisteria.”
Since 1957, the Fujinami Kai has trained three generations of dancers in the subtle and intricate dances of the Nihon buyo repertoire. In its 40+ year history, Fujinami Kai has performed in the Portland and Ontario, Oregon communities in theaters, schools, universities, gardens, parks, festivals and museums. The response to Fujinami Kai’s programs has always been positive, as evidenced by the numerous letters and words of appreciation. In 1989, Fujinami Kai was selected to perform at the Oregon Advocate’s for the arts’ Governor’s Arts Award program.
Fujinami Kai is under the direction of Madame Kanriye Fujima. Madame Fujima has maintained three schools of dance in the Northwest for over 40 years. Her teaching methods, in accordance with traditional Japanese form, include more than dance steps. She uses the Japanese language in all of her classes while exposing her students to the general principles of Japanese culture, including self-discipline and respect for one’s master and classmates. Madame Fujima considers teaching these principles to be one of her most important duties and believes that they can benefit and influence students throughout their lives. She has said, “Dance helps develop the personality with gracefulness.” Many of the dances are based on stories from Japanese history and folklore, and as a result Fujinami Kai members are exposed to history and literature, as well as to language and dance.
Kanriye Fujima, a master teacher and performer, is part of the long tradition of the Fujima Nihon Buyo School of Japan, originally founded in 1769 by Fujima Kanbei. It is considered to be one of the premier schools for Kabuki choreography in Japan and is noted for its strict allegiance to tradition. Every year, Madame Fujima travels to Japan to study new techniques and dances to bring back to her students in Oregon
Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo is kinetic story theater artist who blends movement, music and dramatic interpretations of Asian myths and folk tales. Known for his East-West blend of stylized storytelling, his work is influenced by the traditional performance narratives and dance theaters of Asia. He has studied traditional Gagaku, 6th Century Japanese Court music, under the tutelege of the late Suenobu Togi Sensei, and was the founder of Filipino Kulintang Gong Music movement in Northern California. With this musical background and his interest in theater, he and his wife and life partner, Nancy Wang, created a storytelling company, Eth-Noh-Tec. For the past 28 years they have served the Asian American and broader multicultural communities throughout the United States. Eth-Noh-Tec has been the recipient of Artist of the Year Award by National Young Audiences, the Circle of Excellence Award from the National Storytelling Network, and has performed for the Presidential Inaugural Celebrations of both Obama and Clinton. Their storytelling performances have been seen at the National Storytelling Festival, Jonesborough TN, Smithsonian Discovery Theater, Wolftrap VA and most recently on international festivals in Austria, Singapore, Philippines, and New Zealand.
The Nanda Experience is a high-energy, unrelenting blast of action and humor. Never being limited to just one area of entertainment, you’ll be enamored by a tidal wave of acrobatics, dance, juggling and crazy kung-fu acro fighting. The entirety of which are then tightly woven into an electrifying sonic soundscape. This unique blend of skill acts and hilarious antics will reward again and again with its innovative approach to pure entertainment.
Portland Taiko: An award-winning Asian American drumming ensemble established in 1994, Portland Taiko combines traditional and contemporary compositions and choreography to take Asian American music into unexplored territory with its innovative and provocative creations. The first professional taiko company in the Pacific Northwest, Portland Taiko brings its own unique, contemporary style and innovations in taiko to over 50,000 people a year at festivals, schools, theaters, colleges, and fairs. The group offers one-time taiko workshops and ongoing taiko classes for children and adults (no experience required!), so contact Portland Taiko for information about pursuing the art form of taiko: www.portlandtaiko.org.
Tanuki Taiko was established in the fall of 1998, growing out of a series of youth taiko classes held by Portland Taiko. Originally named Portland Youth Taiko, the group renamed itself in 2000 after the tanuki, a mischievous, magical badger of Japanese folklore. The current members of Tanuki have played taiko for up to six years and range in age from 14 to 18. The group has performed at the Portland Japanese Garden, Mochitsuki, other local community events, and continues to develop its own youthful style and expression.
Utsuki-kai: When looking at the night sky, people in the west often refer to the man on the moon. In Japan, however, people see a rabbit pounding rice cakes! The name Utsukikai is composed of the character “U” 卯 meaning rabbit, “Tsuki” 月 or moon and “Kai” 会 which means group. Phonetically, the reading of the name can also be taken as “Shall we pound?” With that playful image in mind, Utsukikai is a community-based group dedicated to sharing the tradition and festivity of New Year’s mochi making.
