One of the principal aims of the Azuki Foundation is to create interesting cultural workshops that can have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the participants.
Participants in this workshop enjoyed a unique opportunity to learn Japanese traditional dance from the folklore dance expert Yasuna Higuma.
The 5-week series of classes at Claremont Project included a visual and aural introduction to the background of selected folk dances from Japan. Participants were able to practice dance, be involved in the creation of new dances, and had the opportunity to sing Japanese chants.
Yasuna’s teaching focused on the dance Tasuke Haiya Bushi, which originated in Hirado Island, a small island off the coast of Nagasaki, in Kyushu, South of Japan. The Tasuke Haiya Bushi is a unique and elegant dance with dynamic movements using two castanet-like percussion instruments.
At Alsen Day Centre people who had limited physical ability could dance seated. They enjoyed it a great deal.
We are planning more workshops at St Lukes Community Centre in 2017.