Report: "See you in Kitano-machi" Dance workshop (4)
The forth Dance workshop was held on Sunday 21 January 2024 from 13:00 to 14:00 in the Multipurpose Room at Cosmo Smile Kitano.
The facilitators for the day were dancers Un Yamada, Akiyoshi Nita and Shiori Susaki. Seventeen technical intern trainees, two students from Kurume University and four others who were recruited from the public participated in the workshop. Some of the participants had engaged in the previous events were familiar with the facilitators, so the event began in a lively mood of joyful reunion.
The session started with all participants walking in the same direction around the room to the lively rhythm of the music, with Ms. Un calling out "Walking!". As they moved in slight variations, such as lying on the floor and shaking their feet and hands, or clapping their hands as they walked, the tense atmosphere relaxed and they began to laugh.
Everyone formed one circle and when the music changed, Mr. Nita performed a dance in the middle. The participants then also performed a dance, which was followed by cheers and excitement. With Ms. Un's call of "Free!" they danced alone and freely, took each other's hands in threes, and also tried the same movements with a large group of people.
After the break, the participants moved their fingertips, hands and arms minutely to the tune of a song. With Ms. Un's call of "Small!", they started with small movements of their fingertips and gradually increased their movements until finally the dance came together. "Beautiful!”, said Ms. Un.
When the songs were pop and familiar, they danced while singing the lyrics. In the relaxed atmosphere, the participants danced together spontaneously making eye contact with each other, and even holding each other's hands.
Here are some of the comments from the participants.
・I feel relaxed while I’m doing this kind of dancing. I felt happiness.
・It was fun and stress relieving.
・I really enjoyed just making eye contact with the other participants and changing the way I danced to the music.
・I really enjoyed moving my body to the sounds and various kinds of music, and the movements that are created in the moment. I felt a little awkward at times, so next time I would like to enjoy making eye contact with more people.
The 'See you in Kitano-machi ' programme for 2024 is scheduled to start in May. More information will be made available later on the City Plaza’s website and leaflets. Please check it out.