Colorado Dance Troupe Connects US and Japan
BRITTANY PARTIN (Shimane Prefecture, 2012-2016)
“The night is here, come out and dance,” sings the upbeat spin on an old folksong, “Yosakoi, Yosakoi!” Yosakoi has since become the name of Japan’s most spirited festival dance form. The steps, music, and costumes borrow heavily from tradition, but the dance’s energy leaves the greatest impact. Large groups shout “wasshoi!” (a festival chant) as they pull imaginary ropes, an anchorman waves an enormous flag, and small children and elders alike dance with kicking, twisting choreography.
Its magnetic quality garners spectators from all over the globe, and has summoned people like Laura Powell to join. While living in Japan, Powell participated in Koshigaya City’s Ōbirin team for three years, and she started a sister group, Pikes Peak Yosakoi Ōbirin (PPYO), upon returning to Colorado Springs in 2016. As a 501c charitable organization, it operates under the motto, “Learn Japanese culture through dance. Connect with the community. Establish ties with the world.”
PPYO members with Yosakoi experience in Japan teach the dances and lead performances around the city, but most of the members picked up the hobby very recently. . . .
About the Author
Brittany Partin was a Coordinator for International Relations in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, from 2012-2016.
About Japan Matters For America
This article is part of a guest-contributor partnership between the East-West Center in Washington and USJETAA in which former JET participants contribute articles relating to their experiences in Japan.
