Manhattan High School

We performed to a packed auditorium at Manhattan High School. Only 4 dancers were able to dance this time because of the weekday morning time; Holly, Rie, Minako & Cami. Seiji gave explanations to the student audience. The group performed “Soran-bushi” and “Basara” (our debut performance) and were well-received! The event was part of their “Multicultural Celebration”.

Movie Party

We took a much needed break and had a potluck Movie Party! It was fun to get to know each other a little more and we also watched the Japanese movie “Hula Girls”. I think we all enjoyed it very much! Also, Kelly brought her friend Cortez who is a hip-hop dancer. I think everyone enjoyed his demo of dance moves!

Haymaker Dorm Performance

Sunday, February 17, the K-State Japanese Yosakoi Dance Club had the opportunity to perform at Haymaker’s Hall Diversity Program, “Cafe Hay.” This event was to showcase many different cultures. An explanation of each culture was described and a performance went along with the description. Yosakoi performed three dances for the Haymaker dorm residents. They included, “Soran-Bushi,” “Yocchore,” and “Nengara-Nenjyu.”

We appreciate being asked to perform for the Haymaker dorm. KSU Yosakoi was well received and there was a great turn out for an audience. A big thank you to all who danced and participated in this event.

If you’d like to have the K-State Japanese Yosakoi Dance Club perform at one of your upcoming events, please contact our Director, Seiji Ikeda (seiji306@hotmail.com) or our President, Cami Riblett (criblett@ksu.edu).

Lunar New Year Festival

“The Yoskaoi Soran”

“Samurai”

Saturday, February 9th, Yosakoi performed for the Lunar New Year Celebration sponsored by the Vietnamese Student Association. The first dance performed was “The Yosakoi Soran,” a very genki dance to get the celebration started. The dance depicts the “drunken happiness” of Japanese workers at the end of the day. The group wrapped up the celebration by performing “Samurai,” a dramatic dance that uses strong movements and shows the interaction of the samuari with the ocean waves.

There was a large turnout for the Lunar New Year Celebration. Manhattan community members and K-State students enjoyed appetizers before the performance. Afterwards, there was a celebration banquet for the performers. The Yosakoi dancers enjoyed all of the homemade Vietnamese and Chinese food that was served.

We are so happy to have been invited to perform at this great event. Thank you to those who helped organize the Lunar New Year Celebration!!

If you’d like to have the K-State Japanese Yosakoi Dance Club perform at one of your upcoming events, please contact our Director, Seiji Ikeda (seiji306@hotmail.com) or our President, Cami Riblett (criblett@ksu.edu).

Meadowlark Hills Performance

Yosakoi had two wonderful performances at Meadowlark Hills on February 1st and 8th. Approximately 20 dancers were in attendance for the residents of the assisted living program of Meadowlark Hills. The group performed “Yosakoi Soran,” “Soran Bushi,” and “Samurai”. The program was a success with many residents talking with our dancers after the performance. We hope to be able to perform for them again in the future! Thanks goes to Naho-san & Meadowlark Hills, for inviting us to the facility.

If you’d like to have the K-State Japanese Yosakoi Dance Club perform at one of your upcoming events, please contact our Director, Seiji Ikeda (seiji306@hotmail.com) or our President, Cami Riblett (criblett@ksu.edu).