So it is one month before 邦楽発表会. Here is a handmade spear for practice — thank you, Master Mei-Shu. Several of her students have performed Suisen-Tanzen. Well, it seems difficult for normal citizens to keep such items new and clean. Mei-Shun would use it on the roof floor, never to hit Mikan-chan full of curiosity.
Mei-Shun took a lesson on Seika, 30 years old, might be the oldest boy in this club. Horses age roughly 4 times faster than human beings, yet he never looks a senile 120-year-old. So we take him as a gentleman around 80 with graying hair, leading a halcyon, healthy life. By the way, people born in the Showa era (1926-89) are called Showa-jin (=man) these days, like Jomon (14,000-300 B.C.)-jin or Yayoi (300 B.C.-250 A.D.)-jin!
It is hard to dance in the middle of summer of course, yet humidity might be worse: it often causes a heatstroke indoors. “Dry” mode of air conditioners therefore works very well this season. And fans are worth your purchase, to make a good air circulation. Now, let’s start practicing Suisen-Tanzen.
broken mop …
into a “spear”.
Mei-Shun started to practice “Salut d’Amour” by E. Elgar at Shin’s request. We found this title on the net by chance, as “Gymnopédie“. It sounds sweet and clear, so a simple score has been expected. However, it carries four sharps! Mei-Shun has no perfect pitch. It would take a time to play smoothly …
Mei-Shun has lost weight during her hospitalization, partly thanks to healthy, ever-ready-to-eat meals. Since she gained permission to go home, however, it has got a bit difficult to diet; she has to prepare everything to eat by herself …
After 1-month interval, Mei-Shun saw Master Mei-Shu today. What would be on stage next year? We talked about it, mentioning a few candidates, and then started a short piece of dance anyway. Such ones are called “ha–uta” or “ko–uta” to mean short and light songs.
Mei-Shun received a DVD of her latest stage. She hesitated to see her own image last year, yet all different today – immediately open the package and sit down in front of the display. Maybe the spirit of shishi helped her for further practice and training. She found out much to be improved in her techniques. Thanks, darling.
Mei-Shun must have gained a weight after the performance. She clearly knows why – by eating too much. Mountains of tasty fruits and refreshments were shared in the waiting room; we brought home rest of them. A big box of her favorite cookies arrived. Oseki-han (=steamed rice with red bean) was waiting for her. Now, ten days have passed. Time to restart controlling herself!
Mei-Shun (and Shin on weekends) started walking toward the nearest shrine. Daily exercise including dance practice is indispensable for her healthy life. It is a nice day, while a dragonfly escorted her through a narrow path between rice paddies. We are satisfied to have such a beautiful environment conserved well.
Mei-Shun caught a cold. A slight fever, stomachaches, a sore throat and running nose, sleepiness … might be among the worst happenings in preparation for a stage performance. She only hopes that accumulated training so far works well.
meishunkikunoe 