The Japanese Winter Festival

This evening I had the pleasure of attending a packed event at Wellesley College, the Japanese Snow Festival, Yuki Matsuri. Singing, dancing, both in the most ancient tradition as well as contemporary style, drumming, martial arts [Kendo], a fashion show and tables overflowing with delicious Japanese specialties, transported the rapt audience into another world.

For me, despite the spirited songs, powerful drumming, and the entertaining modern dances, what stood out as most memorable, was the breathtaking performance by Michiko Kurata -my "adopted" daughter who began training in Kabuki dance at age two and received her stage name at 15, but is now a world history teacher at a prestigious public high school. No matter how often I see her perform, I am entranced by the sheer elegance, beauty and exquisite movements that carry the richness and symbolism of traditional dance that goes back to the early 1600s.

I was hoping to share a short video clip of Michiko's unparalleled performance but am unable to upload it. Instead, here are a few photos of her.