Yosa-koi Dance Project
Greetings Fellow Former JETS!
It’s that time of year again! My uber-cool yosa-koi dance team is once more looking for new members to audition!
“But Kirsten,” you say, scratching your head. “I don’t dance. Even if I did dance, I still have no idea what yosa-koi is!”
No worries, gentle coz. You are not alone.
Yosa-koi is a festival dance performed widely throughout Japan. If you’ve ever attended a Sports or Culture Festival at any of your schools in Japan, there is a good chance you witnessed the clackety-clack of multiple naruko at work. It’s fun, it’s exciting and it’s a great way to meet other Japanese artists/performers in the city.
For those already familiar with the term:
Do you love nothing more than flailing about with naruko? (wooden instrument, NOT some girl’s name! ^^) Are you an aspiring performer/dancer with an interest in Japanese culture? Are you a non-performer/dancer with an interest in Japanese culture? Do you just really miss Japan and dream of becoming one of the crazy sexy cool people in this flier?
Then fantasize no more!
Hi, I’m Kirsten, a former ALT based in Niigata Prefecture 2005-2008. One of the things I missed most about my life in Japan was an awesome and energetic festival dance called yosa-koi that I used to perform together with my students. I missed it so much when I came back that I Googled “NY” and “Yosa-koi” and found 10tecomai. For a JET with raging Japan withdrawal like myself being a member of 10tecomai was like a dream come true.
Like the flier says, no dance experience is necessary. I can attest to that, folks. I have zero background in performance or dance but I quickly found this was not required. You will be expertly and patiently trained, no matter what level you are and you will have TONS of fun in the process. However, team spirit and serious dedication are an absolute must. My experience with 10tecomai has been truly rewarding and fulfilling on so many levels. I’m sad I no longer live in Japan but I am overjoyed to be a part of 10teco.
Still not sure what Yosa-koi is? Have more questions? Care to meet any of the members?
Feel free to visit our website to see us in action. For a more thorough experience, why not come see one of our shows?
10tecomai will be performing with Taiko Masala at 10 PM on Thursday August 27th, at Matsuri located at 369 W. 16th Street.
You do not have to eat in the restaurant to see the show. There is an upstairs lounge/bar at street level where you can get a great view of the performance. Matsuri is a gorgeous space so I highly recommend checking it out! Hope to see you there!
Tell your friends!
2 comments so far...
Ah, if only I were in NYC! I loved the Yosa-koi!
Ahhh! Zanen! It’s so rare finding other people who know yosa-koi these days, even Japanese!