Nameshida Onikenbai Demon Sword Dance
- At July 18, 2024
- By JFDNY
- In Uncategorized
0
Nameshida Onikenbai: Demon Sword Dance
The Sheen Center for Thought & Culture
18 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012
September 20, 2024
7:30 PM
90 Minutes
Experience a Thousand Year Old Japanese Folk Tradition!
The Japanese Folk Dance Institute of NY (JFDINY) is thrilled to introduce Nameshida Onikenbai: Demon Sword Dance, performed by Iwate, Japan’s Nameshida Onikenbai, one of only two Onikenbai traditions recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.
This thousand year old folk tradition features Oni (Demon) masked dancers acrobatically striding and leaping with swords and fans. The ensemble will showcase their full repertoire, including the exclusive “Sanninkago” performance. This exclusive occasion marks Nameshida Onikenbai’s first and only appearance in the U.S.
The night will culminate with additional folk traditions from around Japan, presented by Minbuza of JFDINY.
Tickets:
* $27 for adults (Plus $3 Sheen Center Facility Fee)
* $17 for students, children, and seniors (Plus $3 Sheen Center Facility Fee)
Purchase Tickets Here!
Supported by: The JCC Fund, JEC Fund, the Mitsui Sumitomo Cultural Foundation, and NYC Department of Cultural Affairs in Partnership with the City Council
Nameshida Onikenbai
Nameshida Onikenbai was founded in 1901 to preserve the Nameshida tradition of Onikenbai.
Onikenbai are a set of ancient folk dances which are a part of Iwate’s “Nenbutsu Kenbai” tradition. These dances can be traced back to the 9th century when En no Gyoja, founder of Shugendo, created a style of Buddhist dancing to spread the Nenbutsu and pray for the salvation of souls. These dances were further refined by “Yamabushi” (mountain monks) on Yamagata’s Mt. Haguro and eventually evolved into Iwate’s Nenbutsu Kenbai traditions. The Onikenbai tradition is indigenous to the Kitakami City region.
Onikenbai performances feature dancers in Oni (demon) masks, dynamically and acrobatically dancing with a sword and a fan. These Oni masks represent different aspects of Fudo Myoo, one of the most important deities in Japanese Buddhism. Nameshida Onikenbai preserve these traditions, performing annually in Kitakami’s “Michinoku Geinou Matsuri”, the region’s largest folk dance festival. Nameshida Onikenbai is one of only two Onikenbai traditions designated UNESCO World Cultural Heritage status.
The Japanese Folk Dance Institute of New York
The Japanese Folk Dance Institute of New York (JFDINY) was founded by Momo Suzuki in 1992 to perform, teach and preserve the living folk cultural traditions of Japan. JFDINY collects the highly diverse and largely unwritten traditions that express the Japanese identity and spirit, while sharing, engaging, and educating the public about Japanese culture/history, especially in NYC.
Some of JFDINY’s proudest achievements include performing at the Epcot Pavilion at Disney World Florida, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, annually at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Cherry Blossom Festival, as well as an appearance in Madonna’s music video “Nothing Really Matters”. “. In 2023, we were thrilled to present The Festival Of Japan: Drums + Dance, a collaborative performance between Minbuza, world-renowned traditional drummers Sukeroku Taiko (Japan), celebrating our 30th Anniversary.
Recent cultural advising/choreography work includes Atlanta Opera and Dallas Opera’s productions of Madame Butterfly (2022), as well as a residency in choreography at Boston University for Ronald Richardson’s play “Kamioroshi” (2019). Recent national media appearances include NBC’s Today Show (2021) and dance film “Dancing Joy” (2020).
The Festival of Japan: Drums + Dance
- At April 04, 2023
- By JFDNY
- In Minbuza, Uncategorized
- 2
THE FESTIVAL OF JAPAN: DRUMS + DANCE
Presented by The Japanese Folk Dance Institute of New York
Saturday, June 17, 7:00PM / Sunday, June 18, 2:00PM
Abrons Arts Center Playhouse Theater
(466 Grand St, New York, NY 10002 | MAP |)
The Japanese Folk Dance Institute of New York (JFDINY) presents THE FESTIVAL OF JAPAN: DRUMS + DANCE, a collaborative dance performance between JFDINY’s own dance ensemble MINBUZA, accompanied by world renowned taiko ensemble SUKEROKU TAIKO from Japan. Powerful taiko performances will be weaved throughout a full repertoire of over a thousand years of folk dance, including Tsugaru Aiya Bushi (umbrella and fan dance from Aomori) and Onikenbai (demon masked sword dance from Iwate and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage).
Special Musical Guest: Tsugaru Shamisen Singer/Player Yuzu Natsumi.
THE FESTIVAL OF JAPAN: DRUMS + DANCE celebrates the 30th anniversary of The Japanese Folk Dance Institute of New York.
Tickets: $25 ($30 Door), Students $15
Ticket Link:
Artist Bios:
MINBUZA
Minbuza, which in Japanese means “Folk Dance Group”, is the professional performance troupe within The Japanese Folk Dance Institute of NY. We present traditional folk dances from all over Japan, using authentic folk music and colorful traditional costumes. We have performed nationally at The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Epcot Pavilion at Disney World Florida, as well as annual appearances at many Cherry Blossom Festivals including The Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Sakura Matsuri. Internationally we have performed in Switzerland and Russia. We have appeared in Madonna’s music video for the song “Nothing Really Matters,” as well as on NBC’s The Today Show, ABC’s Regis and Kelly, and the Untitled Action Bronson Show on VICE TV. Minbuza is especially proud of its educational work with various public and private schools, universities, and institutions.
SUKEROKU TAIKO
Sukeroku Taiko was formed in 1959 at Tokyo’s Yushima Tenjin Shrine to not only carry on the rich heritage of traditional Japanese drumming, but also to create a new contemporary style of taiko. Until then, drumming in Tokyo was confined to the summer Obon festivals. The founders of Sukeroku Taiko, champion Obon drummers not satisfied with playing solely during the summer months, began studying drum patterns from Japanese classical music as well as other percussion styles from around Japan. The distinctive “sukeroku style” evolved to include exciting and lively rhythms, while incorporating dance and dynamic bodily movements into the performance of taiko. They have performed extensively in the U.S., Spain, Germany, Brazil, China, and South Korea, among others.
YUZU NATSUMI
Yuzu is a singer and songwriter from Japan, playing Japanese traditional guitar called “Shamisen” in a modern and in a traditional way. With her shamisen and her catchy rhythms, she introduces the beauty and sophistication of Japanese culture to the world, through traditional music and her original songs.
Far from just performing in Japan, to share her love of traditional Japanese culture, she travels all around the world. So far she has performed in 16 countries, including France (Japan Expo Paris), Thailand (Japan Expo Thailand), India, Iceland and Serbia.
THE FESTIVAL OF JAPAN: DRUMS + DANCE is supported in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in Partnership with the City Council, the Japan-United States Friendship Commission, The Japan Foundation New York, and the Mid Atlantic Folk and the Traditional Arts-Community Projects program of Mid Atlantic Arts with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Ticket Link:
For More Info: japanesefolkdanceny@gmail.com
News
- At March 11, 2016
- By JFDNY
- In Uncategorized
- 0
Check this article From New York no Asagohan Discover Asia in New York >> Addicted to Japanese Folk Dance
Come dance with us! “Japanese Heritage Night” at the NY- Mets Citi Field on Friday, June 15th
- At June 05, 2012
- By JFDNY
- In Uncategorized
- 0
If you are a Mets fan, come dance with us!!
On 6/15, we will perform a Bon Odori on the field at Citifield before the Mets game against the Cincinnati Reds. All are welcome to join in this fun event.
“Japanese Heritage Night” at the NY- Mets Citi Field on Friday, June 15th”
“Japanese Heritage Night 2010”
The number of performers is limited to 50. Only children 6 years or older be permitted to dance.
Free Bon Odori ( NEW YORK ONDO) Workshop is Sunday, June 10th, from 12:00 to 2:00PM at the JAA hall (15 W. 44th Street, bet. 5 & 6 Ave., 11 Fl.)
Those who would like to participate must have a ticket for entry. You can buy a special seat for “Japanese Heritage Night” at the link HERE.
On June 15th, we will meet at 5:30 at Citi Field, (in Japanese costume- Kimono or Happi coat) and be ready to dance. The dance performance will be around 6:30pm. The game starts at 7:10 pm.
To Register & for more INFO : momosuzuki@nyc.rr.com
Thank you everyone!
- At November 27, 2011
- By JFDNY
- In Uncategorized
- 0
Dear Friends,
Thank you everyone for contributing to the JFDI Japan Disaster Relief
Fund. On 9/15, we delivered $7,000 to the Yamagata Shinbun Earthquake
Fund. Your contributions will help rebuild the lives and homes of
those so greatly affected by the earthquake. Again, we thank you ever
so much for helping us with this important cause.
Momo Suzuki
Director
Help the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
- At March 25, 2011
- By JFDNY
- In Uncategorized
- 0
Dear Friends,
The Japanese Folk Dance Institute of New York, Inc. expresses our deepest sympathies for the victims of the recent earthquake in Japan. We hope and pray for a quick recovery. I know that many of you, including myself are in shock over this incredible tragedy.
The JFDI introduces Americans to Japanese culture through folk dance. In particular, our repertoire involves many dances from the Tohoku region, the area most heavily damaged by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami. The JFDI has a strong and important connection to this region of Japan. After September 11, when many Japanese would not travel to NYC , 35 members of the Yamagata Buyodan visited the city, filling us with their energetic spirit. In 2008, the NY Hanagaskai shipped off to Yamagata to participate in the Yamagata Hangasa Parade. Our connections to this part of Japan are many, and our responsibility to aid them during this difficult time is undeniable.
In order to support the earthquake victims, we have begun a relief drive. I ask for your participation in this important cause. If we can raise even $1 for the relief effort, we believe that it will be a tremendous aid. The money we collect will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross through the Yamagata Shimbun, an organization that has given us much assistance in spreading Japanese folk dance throughout NYC. 100% of all monies will be donated to the effort.
All amounts are welcome. Even the smallest amount can help buy one roll of toilet paper, one blanket, or even one liter of oil. All staples are scarce in these affected regions. Please help us with our relief drive to get Japan back on its feet and dancing!
Make a check payable to the Japanese Folk Dance Institute of New York, Inc.With memo line: Japan Disaster Relief Fund |
JFDI is a 501(c) (3) Non-profit organization. Donations of $50 or more will receive a letter detailing the amount and purpose of the donation for tax purposes.
Momo Suzuki
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