7117 Maple Ave
Takoma Park, MD 20912
USA
Visual Phrasing: Taiko in Motion
The sound of taiko is shaped and inspired by form and movement. In this workshop you will create short visual phrases on the drum. Everyone will learn how to utilize imagery and improvisation to compose your own inherent sense of taiko movement that has intention, purpose and phrasing. Bodies will be engaged from the core/koshi/powerhouse creating from the inside out while weaving stories on the drum.
Some experience in either taiko or dance required!
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About Michelle Fujii
Michelle Fujii creates contemporary work as a 4th generation Japanese-American through the art formm of taiko, Japanese drums, and Japanese folk dance placing “traditional” ethnic art within the present – not as a preservation – but as an active force that can continue to inspire and evolve. Fujii started her taiko training as a performing member of San Jose Taiko. After graduating with a degree in Ethnomusicology at UCLA, Fujii rejoined San Jose Taiko as artistic staff. In 2001 she was awarded the prestigious Bunka-cho fellowship from the Japanese government to study with Japan’s foremost traditional folk dance troupe, Warabiza, where she studied under the tutelage of master dancer/choreographer Shohei Kikuchi. Fujii has played with numerous groups including TAIKOPROJECT, On Ensemble, Shasta Taiko and served as Artistic Director of Portland Taiko for 9 years.
