Yokota Tanabata Dancers grace the stage at Friendship Festival

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Desiree Economides
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  The Yokota Tanabata Dancers took to the stage Aug. 21 at Yokota Air Base, Japan, during the 2011 Japanese- American Friendship Festival.

The dance group, established in 1973 to promote goodwill and friendship to the Japanese people by learning traditional dances and joining in the Japanese festivals, performed three Japanese stage dances and two circle dances.

"For our stage dances, we performed Ayame, Minami Jujinomierushima and Shamisen Boogie Woogie," said Cece Gonzales, a third-year dancer. "These dances showed the technical aspects of traditional Japanese dances, but also are recognizable amongst the Japanese people."

Ayame and Minami Jujinomierushima are traditional Japanese folk dances that tell stories of the region they are from. Shamisen Boogie Woogie is a jazz-inspired post-World War II song created by Ichimaru, a famous geisha.

"It was really nice when people recognized what boogie woogie was," said Antavis Geoffroy, a first-year dancer. "The audience clapped along and had big smiles watching us dance."

After performing the stage dances, the dancers invited audience members to participate in Tankō- Bushi, the coal miner's dance, and Beautiful Sunday.

"I enjoy performing with all of the dancers, but it is really nice to have the audience come out and dance with us," said Maria Ramos, first-year dancer.

Though performing in festivals is nothing new for these women, the dancers enjoyed their time at the Japanese- American Friendship Festival.

"It feels good to share what we have learned about the culture through dance with the Japanese people and with all of our friends and family on base," said Patricia Brandon, a second-year dancer.