Echigo-Shishi has a climax part of ebi-zori: performers will arch his/her body backward like a shrimp, swinging sarashi. It was quite easy for Mei-Shun in her childhood, yet a kind of challenge now. Everyday exercise to strengthen the back muscle is indispensable.
lesson
She Loves It
StandardMei-Shun borrowed fake sarashi and ayabo from Master Mei-Shu for practice. Mikan-chan, a brown-box lover, immediately relaxes on it. Hey, let mom open it, honey.
A real pair of ayabo is red and white-striped stick, with small golden bells put on both ends. The Echigo-Shishi rings ayabos before swinging sarashi.
Inconvenient Autumn
StandardYukata is an indispensable item for Japanese dancers: practices are sometimes too hard to do in silk kimono. On the other hand, most people put it on as a fashionable summer clothes. It looks therefore a bit bizarre to see a yukata driver from this month. Mei-Shun has to bring it in furoshiki (=a square wrapping cloth), change clothes at Master Mei-Shu’s home.
Lion Head
StandardEchigo-Shishi puts on a shishi (=mythical lion)-shaped cap, with a piece of cloth like a curtain. Dancers open/close it to show/veil their faces, meaning two characteristics; a human being and an artistic entity. Timing is very important, needs a lot of practice.
Serious Problem?
StandardWhen 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?
First after Obon
StandardMei-Shun was very lazy during obon holidays. No exercise, too much eating — the worst way for dancers. She returns to normal today, feeling refreshed, yet putting on a bit excess weight around her waist. Oh-oh.
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
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.
meishunkikunoe 