Wakayagi Marks 30 Years of Teaching

 

Cultural News, December 2004

 

 

Mme. Hisami Wakayagi (center) of the Seiha Wakayagi School has been teaching Japanese dance for 30 years in Los Angeles. Students pictured are (from back row left) Hisaya Wakayagi, Hijiri Sakakibara, Yui Kirihara: and Kazumi Nakamura (front rowleft). (Cultural News Photo)

 

By Machiko Paley

 

  The Sieha Wakayagi School, Hana-no-Kai, presided by Mme. Hisami Wakayagi of South Pasadena, celebrates the 25th anniversary next year. To celebrate, a public performance will be held in March, 2005 at Aratani/Japan America theatre in Little Tokyo. Inviting Japan’s leading masters and professionals of the art, this will be an opportunity to introduce an element of Japanese culture and to increase the awareness of its refinement.

 

  Thirty years have passed since Mme. Hisami Wakayagi first set foot on American soil in 1974. During those years, she has been dedicating and committing her master skill to help others understand Japanese classical dance as an integral representation of Japanese culture. In addition, she is dedicated to nourish and preserve Japanese traditions, heritage, and culture within younger generations.

 

   In pursuit of this endeavor, she has embarked on a rigorous schedule of teaching, lecturing, supporting various Japanese cultural events in the community, and performing both in the United States and in Japan. She also has volunteered to perform for colleges, public schools, municipal festivals and retirement centers.

 

  Born in Kobe and raised in Tokyo, she started learning Japanese dance at the age of 6. She then started taking lessons from Kichisanji Wakayagi, the headmaster of the Seiha Wakayagi School in Tokyo. In 1965, she was permitted to receive the coveted natori dance title, and in 1966 shihan teaching credential. In 1974, she came to Los Angeles and opened her own studio. In 1980, the first recital dubbed as Hana-no-Kai was held. In 1985, she assumed the directorship of the Seiha Wakayagi School, USA.

 

 For Mme. Wakayagi, teaching the techniques of Japanese dance are not enough.  She also teaches how to put on kimono and obi, as well as various mannerisms and etiquettes. Through this, she hopes to convey Japanese tradition to the next generations.  

 

  Throughout the week, Mme. Hisami Wakayagi teaches both at her home studio in South Pasadena and Japanese American Cultural and Community Center in Little Tokyo. Her love and passion toward Japanese classical dance inspire her students and colleagues. She is a passionate and dedicated artist, who has always enjoyed teaching and learning that comes from it.

 

 She has been teaching Japanese classical dance over 35 years, during which time she often went back to Japan to refine herself and updates the techniques. As with any art forms, Japanese classical dance has changed its style and techniques over the years. Ignorance of such advanced study of techniques makes Japanese dance dull and outdated.

 

 Therefore, she annually returns to Japan to receive advanced training, while passing along her artistic tradition to her followers. Her unconditional commitment is testimonial to the cultural legacy. Her accomplishments have had a significant impact in the Japanese American society and community in Los Angeles. Her endless effort and time given to educate her students are greatly appreciated and recognized.

 

 In 1985, Mme. Hisami Wakayagi assumed the directorship for the Seiha Wakayagi School, USA, to further introduce the Japanese classical dance/performing arts as a representation of one element of Japanese culture. She has made tremendous effort to diffuse its profundity, depth, and magnificence in the United States.

 

  As a joint endeavor to study and share Japanese classical dance, regardless of the different schools, the San-nin-no-Kai was organized in 1985. Participants include Mme. Mitsuhiro Bando from the Bando School, Mme. Sumako Azuma from the Azuma School, and Mme. Hisami Wakayagi. The goal of the San-nin-no-Kai is to have Japanese classical dance take root in this country, so as to preserve and bestow the art to the next generation. Since its inauguration, the Sanni-no-Kai, has presented many recitals and introduced the Japanese classical dances to the public. Mme. Hisami Wakayagi alone has held her annual performing programs and many public performances.          
 

  For the 25th anniversary public performance in the Aratani/Japan America Theatre, Hana-no-Kai will present a two-day performance on March 5 and 6. The new natori students are to be recognized with a debut and presentation of their stage names. The program includes Nagauta Koiyurei, Nagauta Shofudatsuki, Nagauta Renjishi, Tokiwazu Kyoningyo, Nagauta Shuchakujishi, Nagauta Musume Dojoji, Nagauta Ninin Shojo, Nagauta Oharame, Gidayu Yagura no Oshichi, and more. 

 

  The Aratani/Japan America Theatre is located at 244 S. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles. Tickets are $35. For more information and tickets, call Hana-no-Kai at (323) 257-5412.

 

 Machiko Paley of Redondo Beach has been learning with Mme. Hisami Wakayagis since 1982. She received the dance title of Sensho Wakayagi in 1966.