Dear Ms. Yuko Nishikawa
It has been my great pleasure to meet you by introduction of Mr. Mitsuru Tamatsuka.
Thank you very much also for posting “likes” on my Instagram posts. I would like to share my thoughts on your daily Instagram “flower posts” and to your recent Nihon Buyo performance which has truly moving.
I would also like to post the following as a piece for a newsletter of Sophia Orthodontic Academy (SOA), chaired by myself.
Recently, regarding “Dai Uchu Riho” (“Law of the Grand Universe”), I am mindful of being joyful of anything that I am conscious of, feel and sense, to pray constantly, and to be thankful for everything. Especially in the Law of the Grand Universe, levels play important roles in our lives.
I would like to share my delight in meeting someone on an elevated level.
I started Instagram by chance. One day, someone posted likes on my posts, and the photos of flowers posted by that person were simply fantastic. The person literally seemed to be “Spirit of Flowers”, embodying the elevated level (manifestation of significant ascetic training) of Shinto and Buddhist deities.
Personal connections are indeed wonderous. Mr. Mitsuru Tamatsuka is another person of elevated level, who posts likes (to my Instagram) and happens to be my son’s classmate. He has invited me to his stage production “Kiyo-hime Confidential” that merges Nihon Buyo and Butoh. I discovered that Yuko Nishikawa Sensei who dances Nihon Buyo in the production was the same person who posts likes to me. Upon recommendation also from my son, I had the pleasure of seeing the stage.
“Kane-no-Misaki” a stage performance of Nihon Buyo, “Uta” and Shamisen and “Kiyo-hime”, a collaboration of Nihon Buyo, Butoh and violin staged in the incense-filled temple chamber were truly fantastic. The glow of wonderful aura enveloping Nishikawa Sensei’s stage presence guided the audience to a higher level of time and space.
After stage, I had the honor of meeting Yuko Nishikawa Sensei, by courtesy of Mr. Tamatsuka. Just as imagined she was an entity of higher level off-stage, like herself on stage. I say this because the photos she posts on her Instagram showed that they were taken by someone on a higher level. I very much look forward to her posts of elevated level, including her flower photos.
(Above is written for SOA newsletter)
If I may, I would like to pose the following questions.
Is there a difference between dancing in a temple chamber watched by Buddhas and dancing on stage? Also does it feel different to dance by yourself, and with a partner?
I would be very grateful if you could kindly enlighten me.
I wish you the very best in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
(Dr.) Kazunori Shimamoto (Advisor, Sophia Orthodontic Clinic)
Dear Dr. Kazunori Shimamoto,
Thank you so much for your correspondence. I am pleasantly surprised by the progress of time; in that I was impressed by Instagram postings of a stranger, and that I followed his account. Now I can meet him in person and to receive a letter from him. Changes are taking place so quickly nowadays. I am so thankful that I can have moments to stand back every morning, when I see your posting.
I would humbly like to address your two questions, regarding “Kiyo-hime Confidential” in late March.
1) On performing in a temple, in a chamber before a Buddha, instead of in a theater.
It is my understanding that an inner chamber where Buddhas are located are usually off-limits. I danced with a sense of humility. At the same time, I had a sense of security being watched over a Buddha. Having said that, it’s not like a space like a theater space. Thus, it has been a challenge to create a performance taking advantage of that unique situation.
2) On co-performers.
When dancers perform, we create physical expressions based on the feeling and emotions of our roles, motivated by the sensations of our hearts. For example, when we express romantic emotions, I feel that it’s easier for the audience and dancers to understand the contexts of the dance piece, if we perform more specifically, rather than to pretend as if there is someone we love.
My co-dancer, Mr. Matsuoka is a Butoh dancer who possessed styles of expressions different form Nihon Buyo. So initially my thought was on if I was able to convey the feelings of Kiyo-hime expressed as Nihon Buyo, to my Mr. Matsuoka, and to the audience.
I sensed that Mr. Matsuoka felt the same way. It was a truly thrilling creative process to search for the right answer each time, through our rehearsals and performances.
I hope I was able to answer your questions. I also very much wish you could come and see my dance again.
Please take care during the intemperate climate.
Yuko Nishikawa