Surprises in Japan

When I travel, I always make it a point to TRY to see a little bit of art. It's always been part of my bucket list to spend at least a day at the theatre  in each country I visit . Sadly, it doesn't always work out because of so many restricting factors. Sometimes its just too damn expensive. Sometimes the schedule just isn't right . But sometimes the universe connives with me and reveals art and inspiration in the oddest of places. Sometimes, you don't need the grand theatre to showcase something good. 

I've been to Japan several times and because of my busy work schedule , I never get to see any cultural performances. Last May though, my client invited me to see what they call a SHOW DINNER .Seeing that all my clients were Japanese men (and they often forget I'm a woman) I was quite curious to know what kind of show it would be. I figured it would be ala western style dinner theatre with a cabaret type of performance . In the middle of Ginza?!,.... it could be anything right?! So there, I was made to go inside a small entrance that led to an underground restaurant with small stage and a couple of very narrow tables. Both male, and female performers came out in their Kimonos to  introduce themselves to all the guests. We couldn't figure out who amongst them "girls" were really girls coz everyone was just so tall thin and silky.  One of them introduced himself and asked us where we were from and I said Manila, Philippines. He excitedly told us that one of the peformers came from the Philippines. So he asked him to come out. He came out in full gear. He looked vaguely familiar to me and then he said " I used to dance for PHILIPPINE BALLET THEATRE". UMMMM..... I'm from Philippine Ballet Theatre. I had to know this guy and he HAD  to know me! I  introduced myself and he realized who he was and I realized who he was. He thought I was JAPANESE. In all fairness, we aged a bit and its been around  a decade since I last saw him. His name is Rency. When I was a company member in PBT he was a scholar and we danced together in 2 productions. I was amazed to find out that he has been dancing all sorts of genres in Japan for nearly 9 years. We said our goodbyes and I appreciated that he told my clients that I was " a  respected principal dancer " in the Philippines (Disclaimer :SO NOT TRUE) . Curious couldn't describe how I felt at that point.... I was so close to just shouting " Let the show begin! ". 

The show opened with a comedy act which  I obviously did not comprehend. I knew he was funny coz the crowd howled and screamed in appreciation.  I politely smiled and giggled at appropriate points . Then they finally revealed the stage. I expected a makeshift stage  because the venue was so small . I was mistaken! It was a multilevel stage that  looked like a jigsaw puzzle . It moved up, moved down, and was capable of splitting into  levels . The stage however small it was, was fully equipped with lights, effects, even a smoke machine and a blower. Out came the dancers. They danced everything. To name a few genres, the show had  jazz, hiphop, erotic, belly dancing, traditional japanese and even ballet. The repertoire had a combination of straightforward performances and slapstick treatment. The stage movement was dynamic and  constantly created a magical entrance and exit. 

 While everything we watched was purely commercial, I must say it was still a unique enjoyable experience.  For one thing, there were only 8 dancers who filled the  1 hour or so show with no intermission. The sustained energy was admirable. The commitment to entertain everyone could be seen and felt from all of the performers. They were giving their all in every single one of the sketches. Not all were good but they bared their souls out there. After watching this show it reaffirmed once again my belief that being a dancer is not about just technique. Its about sharing with an audience your spirit so you could move them . Its about making people smile, laugh,  and or cry. I enjoyed them. The best part of my experience was realizing that FILIPINOS WILL SHINE  WHEREVER THEY GO. Rency was the best dancer in that pack. Think superlatives. He had the most energy. He had the most technique. He had the most stage presence. He had his heart on his sleeve. AND!!!!!! He was the most manly of the male dancers. I couldn't have been prouder. A Filipino reigned supreme in that stage.  At that moment, my heart really overflowed with pride. 

So at the end of the day, in the busy streets of ginza I did get to see something special. It was not high art per se'. Nonetheless, it was was a heartfelt expression for love of performing. It was commitment written all over that ticket. I know they enjoyed. I did too. 

 www.konparuza.co.jp

03-6215-8593 

MY BOSSES WHO ENJOYED IMMENSELY. ALL SMILES 

(i really think they forgot i was a girl)