When Mei-Shun practices a dance at home, her husband often jokes, trying to copy her. It’s so funny – yet sometimes makes her wonder if it’s true: does she look comical while making a serious story on stage?
Japanese dance
Last before Obon
StandardThe last lesson before obon holidays was given by Master Mei-Shu today, rainy and nicely cool. After the “exercise”, she told Mei-Shun on the foundation of Kikunoe-Ryu (=a party for Japanese dance). Her older sister, called Mei-Shu I, became the first director of Kikunoe in 1992.
Opposite Character Pls
StandardIt is very important to practice one dance well, preparing for a performance on the stage. However, as a matter of fact, we start to feel a bit bored of it little by little. Mei-shun always asks Master Mei-Shu to give a lesson which features all different character. Echigo-Shishi is a boy of 14-5 year old, mature ladies such as geisha or crazy woman are therefore preferred.
Other Names Now
StandardTora-chan has a boyfriend. He is a stray cat who visits our garden at night – Mei-Shun often see them on a hush-hush date when she returns from summer lessons. Their last litter was named in musical instruments during their short stay with mom.
Marimba, lively and gentle boy
Viola, smart but shy girl
Piano, nasty boy, loves mom!
princess Harp, the prettiest
Master Sen-Sha
StandardKikunoe Party is headed by the symbolic name of kabuki star Mr. ONO-E, Kikunosuke. He is called Sen-Sha Kikunoe as a Master of Japanese dance. Mei-Shun met with him for the first time when she took an examination to be a natori (=accredited dancer) in 2012.
Sarashi Lesson
StandardHow to dance “Echigo-Shishi” lesson finished. It has a scene to swing sarashi. It is so eye-catching that ardent practice is necessary. However, swinging sarashi would lure Mikan-chan too much at home. Therefore, Mei-Shun decided to rent a Japanese-style room in nearby community center.
Poor Kitten
StandardA skinny kitten stays around the garage of Master Mei-Shu for 2 weeks. 2 kittens crouched in the porch at the time of previous lesson, yet only one was there last Friday. She never moves when Mei-Shun comes nearby, maybe with no power to run. We know who the culprit is – those who never take care of litters, nor stop breeding of their pets, be punished.
Driving in Kimono
StandardMaster Mei-Shu gave Mei-Shun a lesson from 18:00. Since it is too hard to drive midday in summer, lesson time would be late in the afternoon. As for winter, daytime is preferred to steer clear of sunset. In the first place, driving in kimono is quite dangerous …
Hot Lessons
StandardMidsummer Japan, with such a hard humidity and high temperature, needs appropriate air-conditioning – it avoids both heat illness and summer cold. Japanese dance lessons, on the other hand, require cool-enough air for good concentration.
Summer Has Come!
StandardRainy season looks ended. Weather information said that it delayed one day compared to normal, while 16 days later than last year. Hard time started for Japanese dance lessons.
meishunkikunoe 