DANCETIME: Let's Practice for Bon Odori

Photo of BTSD Bon Odori all the way back in 2000. Photo courtesy of Joyce Teague.

DANCE PRACTICE SCHEDULE

Dance practices will be at the Temple most likely in the Annex Hall with windows open and cross ventilation. Masks highly recommended.

  • Wednesdays, July 6, 13, 20, 27 from 7:00-9:00 PM

  • Sundays, July 17 & 24 from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM

SCHEDULE FOR SUNDAY, JULY 31

AT 2 O’CLOCK: HATSUBON/OBON COMBINED SERVICE / INDOORS / MASKS REQUIRED

  • Hatsubon/Obon Combined Service (2:00 PM): Hatsubon is a special service for relatives and friends to honor those who have died in the past year. Obon is the time we set aside to remember all loved ones whom we have lost to time.

  • Reservations Required: Please request your reservation here. Allow extra time arriving at the Temple to allow ushers to confirm your reservation.

  • Rev. Gregory Gibbs, Supervising Minister: Rev. Gibbs will be the presiding minister for the combined service.

AT 5 O’CLOCK: BON ODORI / OUTDOORS / MASKS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

  • General. No reservation required, open to Temple Members and Dharma Friends

  • Starting Time. Originally announced for 5:30 PM, we will begin at 5 PM for presentation of Youth Scholarships and the reading of the names of our high school and college graduates from 2020 to today. Taiko and dancing will follow, but probably earlier than 5:30.

  • Dress. Last year for simplicity in re-opening for Obon, we requested no kimono or yukata, and instead recommended happi or street clothes. This year we will can accommodate all these options. Onsite changing rooms will be available.

  • Food. Stay tuned; we are planning limited food service for those in attendance.

  • Obon Again Resale Shop. Stay tuned; we are planning a version of this popular Asian resale shop to be opened inside the Sangha Hall on July 27 (during dance practice) and on July 31 (during the Bon Odori).

OUR WONDERFUL DANCE INSTRUCTORS

We are grateful to our talented instructors who help us with the dancing! This year they are

Avis Honda, Breven Honda, Eugene Hotta, Maya Hotta, Kimberly Kruse, Sue Moribe, Shirley Omori, Jamie Shimizu, and Junko Kajita.

DANCE CARD

This year’s odori will include some older dances that will still be new to most of us, a brand-new dance, and some of San Diego’s all-time favorites.

  • Kangi-e (all-new BCA dance)

  • Kyo Mo Egao de Konnichiwa

  • Bon Odori

  • Fresno Ondo

  • Nihon Daira

  • Hama Kara Mura Kara Miyako Kara

  • Shin Nagasaki Nonnoko Bushi (kachi kachi)

  • Yagura Ondo

  • Sakura Ondo

  • Souma Bon Uta

  • Kita Kara Minami Made

  • Hokkai No Abarembo

  • Bambutsu No Tsunagari (uchiwa)

  • Pokemon Ondo

  • Ichi Tasu Ichi (One Plus One)

  • Mottainai (tenugui)

  • Beautiful Sunday

  • Tanko Bushi

 

Note on Dance Accessories

Some of the dance titles above name optional dance accessories in parentheses. Such accessories are not necessary but can enhance your experience. Some of these may be available for purchase in the Obon Again Shop.

  • kachi-kachi. These are Japan’s answer to the castanet: two short pieces of wood or bamboo strung together and held in one’s hand. Toy clackers (wooden or plastic) make an effective substitute.

  • tenugui. Long, lightweight cotton towel, often worn loosely around the neck. Some danceres may tie the tenugui around their forehead as a headband (hachimaki) to keep sweat from running into one’s eyes.

  • uchiwa. Unlike traditional folding fans, these are flat, round fans with a bamboo handle.

This image is from 2012. Note at the bottom of the photo, all the handmade “lanterns” of construction paper, made by dancers to honor specific loved ones.

 
BT SD