Magnificent Classical Dance by Wakayagi School

 

Mme. Hisami Wakayagi and Her Troupe Celebrate 25th Anniversary 

 

Cultural News, April 2005

 

Mme. Hisami Wakayagi of South Pasadena and her troupe “Hana-no-Kai” presented their 25th anniversary performance on March 5 and 6 at Aratani/Japan America Theatre in Little Tokyo.

 

In the two-day performance, five new natori-title students were recognized with a debut and presentation of their stage names. With inviting guest dancers from Tokyo such as Masayasu Wakayagi, Hikosaemon Wakayagi, Keika Wakayagi, Tadasuke Wakayagi, and Sanjyuro Wakayagi, Hisami Wakayagi and her troupe performed magnificent Japanese classical dances.

 

(Photo Courtesy of Hana-no-Kai)

 

 

Tokiwazu “Kyoningyo” by Sensho Wakayagi and Tadasuke Wakayagi

A scene where Jingoro (Tadasuke), a sculptor, is surprised that his creation of doll (Sensho) comes to life and move out of the box. (Photo by Shigeo Mizutani)

 

 

Nagauta “Shofudatsuki” by Hikosaemon Wakayagi and Hisami Wakayagi

One of the famous Kabuki plays. This scene is the last pose for dramatic effort to the audience. (Photo by Akio Kobayashi)

 

 

Tokiwazu “Koma” by Hisaki Wakayagi

A scene when a top vendor becomes a top himself, wearing a top pattern and turns like a top. (Photo by Akio Kobayashi)

 

 

Gidayu “Yagura no Oshichi” by Saemi Nakamura

In falling snow, Oshichi runs up the bell tower to strike the bell to save her lover’s life sacrificing her own life. (Photo by Akio Kobayashi)

 

 

Nagauta “Musume Dojoji” by Hisame Wakayagi

A scene where Kiyohime finally funds her lover inside the bell, transformed herself into a serpent and slithers up the temple bell. (Photo by Akio Kobayashi)

 

Dance Performance Features Classical Pieces, Mar. 5-6, 2005

 

Wakayagi’s Hana-no-Kai Celebrates 25th Ann. with Dancer from Tokyo

Cultural News, February 2005

 

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, the Seiha Wakayagi School Hana-no-Kai presents “Hisami Wakayagi’s 25th Anniversary Performance” on Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6 at 12:30 p.m. at Aratani/Japan America Theatre in Little Tokyo.

 

Mme. Hisami Wakayagi of South Pasadena presides over the Seiha Wakayagi School Hana-no-Kai, whose upcoming show will feature an unprecedented collection of great classical dance pieces, Japan’s master artists, and Hisami’s natori students.  One novel concept of the presentation is to highlight Japan’s top performers and the natori students of Los Angeles on stage in the following joint duet performances:

 

Nagauta Koiyuurei, presented by Hikosaemon Wakayagi and Hisami Wakayagi on Saturday, March 5, is a new dance piece that was composed exclusively for Hikosaemon Wakayagi (Masahiko Wakayagi at that time) by the famous kabuki writer, Gokyo Osada. Being only its second performance within the United States, this dance will highlight comical interactions between the two performers, paired with the rhythmical steps of the dance.

 

On Sunday, March 6, these two artists will also present the nagauta Shofuda-tsuki, a typical kabuki play in which the audience will undoubtedly relish true pleasure as they view an authentic kabuki performance.

 

Masayasu Wakayagi, Keika Wakayagi, and Sanjuro Wakayagi will present the nagauta Ninin Shojo during the Sunday concert.  This dance is derived from a noh play. Shojo is an imaginary creature which is said to live under the water. In this dance, the audience will experience an example of the Namiashi technique, a walking technique of this creature.

 

Tokiwazu Kyo-ningyo, presented by Tadasuke Wakayagi and Sensho Wakayagi during the March 5 show, is a dance based on the legend of a sculptor and a courtesan.  The audience will enjoy their gentle duet and the variations in the gestures of the doll.

 

Gidayu Yagura no Oshichi will be performed by Tadasuke Wakayagi and Saemi Nakamura during the Sunday concert.  This dance utilizes the dancer as a real-life doll.

 

Both kiyomoto Omatsuri by Sanjuro Wakayagi and Hirohisa Wakayagi, to be showcased during the Saturday show, and nagauta Okane by Sanjuro Wakayagi and Amelia Cantley, to be performed during the Sunday show, depict the merriment of the scene.

 

Another highlight of the 25th Anniversary Performance will be a formal stage announcement recognizing the new natoris.  Their introductions will include a dance debut and the presentation of their professional stage names.

 

Tickets for the “Hisami Wakayagi’s 25th Anniversary Performance” are $35 and may be purchased through the Hana-no-Kai at (323) 257-5412 or Aratani/Japan America Theatre Box Office at (213) 680-3700. The photo images of dancers are available at www.hisamiwakayagi.net.