Mei-Shun started Echigo-Shihi rally from October 1: she never stops once-a-day dancing even on weekends. Last year, she did the same as 白拍子 for one month before her performance on the stage. That makes such “strangers” a part of her normal life – dancing sometimes seems equivalent to playing a role.
Happiest Time
StandardMikan-chan often calls for Mei-Shun to stay by her food bowl. While eating, she hugs mom by her tail. When asked if it tastes good, she replies “yes” by a swing of it like this.
Japanese Culture@wkend
StandardTsuchiura Fireworks Competition is held on the first Saturday of October. Yesterday was clear with a bit of clouds, nice weather for the 83th event. “Competition” means that craftsmen of all over Japan bring their best works toward Tsuchiura, aiming to win the best prize of the year. 2014 theme seems a color combination — an amazing technique which gives three colors at once in different directions. One mammoth ball of fire looked like a colorful balloon!
Diet to Dance
StandardAs dancers of all genre know well, slow movement is more difficult than quick one. Muscle power is required to keep each pose beautifully as much as possible. That means weight control is indispensable for Japanese dance — let’s stop here tonight.
In the Same Boat
StandardMei-Shun sent 邦楽発表会 programs to ex-students of Master Mei-Shu. They do not come for lessons these days, yet when somebody in her class performs on the stage, almost every one of them comes together. We learn a lot from their kindness, don’t we?
Warm-up Exercise?
StandardMei-Shun practiced at the community center. She reserved every Wednesday night of this month. However, the Japanese-style room was a bit dirty tonight — where is the vacuum cleaner? Only a small broom? Okay. It might be a good warming-up before starting the dance.
Relaxed too much
StandardOur penthouse is one of Mikan-chan’s favorite place to take a nap. When she is nowhere around, Mei-Shun goes up there to find her baby sleeping like this. Why don’t you close your legs, mademoiselle?
Last Spurt
StandardJust one month is left for Mei-Shun before performing on the stage. There are a lot of things to do – lesson room reservation, invitation letter writing, lunch box order, hotel room reservation (to take a bath after the performance), etc., yet the most important is to control herself. And this is the most difficult.
A Tragedy
StandardMei-Shun has recently found that she would be forced to put on a chon-mage wig during her performance on November 2. Chon-mage! You would see it only in samurai dramas or comedy shows. Young boys look all right after removing the shishi-shaped cap, yet women are … . Just a matter of sigh.
Reasonable Best
StandardMei-Shun rented a space for dance lesson at a nearby community center. For just 300 yen, she occupied 2 rooms removing wooden slide doors to make it stage-sized. Glass windows served as a big mirror. Great place to swing sarashi. Thanks a million to neighbors.
meishunkikunoe 