Mei-Shun received a letter of estimate for a batty-repellent measure. Shocking price – it costs as much as she dances on the stage twice. Oh, you are shocked? Yes, amateur dancers have to pay for rental costumes, make-ups, stage settings, etc. by themselves.
stage
Dance in a Rain
StandardMei-Shun is an umbrella lover. Thunderstorm might know that, kindly comes after she enjoys walking in a quiet rain. Ayame-Yukata features a geisha who appears on the stage with bangasa, a Japanese traditional umbrella. It is one of candidate scores for Mei-Shun’s 2015 performance.
Let’s Shrimp
StandardEchigo-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.
Joy of Dance
StandardPrograms for this year’s 邦楽発表会 are ready. On 2nd November, Sunday at Tsuchiura City Hall. Admission free. Performances will start from 10:30. Mei-Shun has to prepare lunch boxes, fruits and sweets for her guests. A nearby hotel room must be reserved to remove the make-up. Lessons would be harder of course. Busy, excited and … happy.
A Wig to perform
StandardMei-Shun saw a wig fitter today for her performance in November. Interestingly, such wigs are tailor-made from scratch in Kanto area including Tokyo. However, in Kansai area of Osaka, shops have an enormous number of wigs in various size and shape: Japanese dancers have to fit their heads to the wigs.
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.
Cheer Up
StandardOn the last stage, one of “sister” students under Master Mei-Shu’s wing gave Mei-Shun a pot of gorgeous cymbidium. Young leaves came out in June, so bloom in autumn has been expected. However, they started to get black at ends these days … caused by a wrong care?
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?
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.
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 