Three months of work finally culminated in a performance today: that’s right, I geisha-fied myself and attempted to forget how to walk and move like a westerner and I did some Japanese fan dancing. I wasn’t too nervous, overall, but I was very hot. I learned several things about wearing kimono, too:
- It’s impossible to step more than a foot in a kimono, which is why Japanese women move with such tiny steps.
- You have no choice but to stand straight.
- Kimono are REALLY hot. Like, seriously.
The song that I danced to is an 80s classic called 契り(Chigiri). According to my friend Yoko, it means “The Marriage Noose,” which just has several levels of hilarity.
So yeah, here are some pictures and even a video (!) of the day. Enjoy!
People of all ages fan dance. Adorable ones are the best.
And gorgeous kimono. I want it!
Rock on!
Hey, who's that chick?
Tee Hee!
And finally, the winner! Watch the whole thing, me making a bit of a fool of myself… but I hope you like it. :)
June 9, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Really nice. That, by the way, comes from one who has two left feet. I applaud your dance.
Totally unrelated to the above- Do you have monkeys on your island?
June 12, 2009 at 5:00 pm
We have statues of monkeys, but no actual monkeys. I know, seriously, sad face. But we do have a naturally occurring (or so they tell me…) gigantic rock that looks like a gorilla.
June 9, 2009 at 1:03 pm
I still have the two yukata from Tomochan –the purple floral and the blue floral. And I have the kimono (tan floral with maroon edges)and the obi(orange and gold) from Etsuko….
June 7, 2009 at 12:54 pm
Wow! From “Blithe Spirit” and “Out of the Woods” to Japanese Fan Dancing!!!
Using U-Tube, I see three seconds at a time…which is both frustrating and awesome (since it freezes the action — into still shots). Many breath-taking moments for The Mommy!
I’ve suggested to Sarah to encourage you to perform the “The Marriage ‘Noose’” as an entertainment piece during the wedding reception! After all, “noose” is “rope” or “lazo”…which relates to an important traditional part of their Mexican ceremony.
Do you own the kimono, obi, and fan?! The hair decoration? Did you do your own make-up and hair? Do you know how to put the obi together? The red/orange is gorgeous and, of course, culturally perfect for weddings… and the dance would complement and reflect Daniel’s Japanese (Fukuoka) heritage! Have I talked you into it, if Sarah asks you? Think about it?!
Again, very, very beautiful – you and the dance! Thank you for sharing a piece of your life!
June 9, 2009 at 5:36 am
Don’t I share a piece of my life all the time?
I don’t own really any of it… I might buy the fan (I think I should, really, as it’s gorgeous), but I’m spending lots of money as it is, so I’m still thinking about it. I might get a yukata (the cotton version of a kimono) soon, but it wouldn’t have the same oomph. And I can tie a practical bow on an obi, but nothing like what’s in the video–that’s only accomplished with someone doing it for you. Trust me.
If Sarah really wants me to perform it, I could, but it’s a little embarrassing… I dunno.
Still, I’m glad you liked it.