Saeko Ichinohe Dance Co Celebrating 39th Anniversary 11/22

Saeko Ichinohe Dance Company is having a special 39th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, November 22, 2008 at 8pm and Sunday, November 23 at 3pm at The Ailey Citigroup Theater (The Joan Weill Center for Dance), 405 West 55th Street at 9th Avenue.

 “The Tale of Genji,” considered to be the world’s first novel, was written 1000 years ago by Lady Murasaki.  The novel is universal, filled with human emotion, portraying the life of Shining Prince Genji and numerous ladies in Heian* court. Originally written in old Japanese language, it now has many translations. Although not widely known in the US, this Japanese masterpiece, is one of the requirements for literature courses at colleges and universities

Choreographed by Saeko Ichinohe to traditional music of the Heian period (Gagaku) and contemporary Japanese music, it has set design by Roger LaVoiem costume design by Eiko Yamaguchi, and lighting design / technical director by Chenault Spence. Part I  ‘Introduction for Heian Culture, which is uniquely Japanese, was gradually created and refined. This includes the Edo period and Kabuki,  In dance, Bugaku (Court Dance of the Heian period) were fused with original as well as contemporary movements, and performed in costumes (with a long train after the robes) that were worn by the nobilities 1000 years ago.  

“The Tale of Genji,” (dance) was created in three parts, from 1995 to 1998, and completed a full length production in 2000. Since 1995, sections of the dance have been performed at numerous colleges and Yale University council on East Asian Studies, as well as at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and others.  In December 2001, one-hour-version was performed in Japan at the New National Theater in Tokyo. This will be the New York City premiere.

Founded 1970, Saeko Ichinohe Dance Company is among the pioneers of multicultural choreography to be performed by a multi-ethnic group of dancers. The company has been performing annually in New York as well as performing in national and international venues. They have appeared in over 25 States.  Its mission is to employ dance as an interpretive medium inspiring mutual understanding between diverse peoples and cultures; and to offer indispensable nourishment for the heart, mind, and soul through its high-quality programs, which bring joy of movement to all ages, cultures, and socio-economic groups.  Saeko Ichinohe Dance Company also contributes to the aesthetic development of dance by incorporating cultural heritages, strongly influenced by historical Japanese tradition, into a framework of contemporary dance.

The company has performed at the Asian Pacific Heritage Week at the Washington Monument: the 25th, 30th, 35th and 40th Anniversary Celebrations of NYC–Tokyo Sister City Friendship; Wolf Trap International Children’s Festival; programs for Fulbright Association; the Chicago Symphony: Japan Festivals in OH, MO, NY, PA & TN; the Japanese Ambassador’s residence; Asian Pacific Heritage Month Celebration at US Dept. of Labor as well as for the Children’s Hospital, Red Cross, N.Y. Public Library, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, Japanese American Association, and Interfaith Peace Gathering.      

Tickets are General admission: $25; $15for seniors & students; and $5 for children under 12.  For information and reservations please call (212) 757-2531.  For more information www.ichinohedance.org

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