Aki Takahashi

Moon

Date Composed: 2019 Composer: Aki Takahashi Arranged by: Tony Nguyen Premiere Performance: Sunday, March 2019 The moon’s radiant light fills the sky, making its beautiful and irresistible appearance. As the sun’s delicate counterpart, the solo (performed by Aki Takahashi) incorporates contrasting textures and movements that highlight the moon’s elegance....

Sugatami

Date Composed: 2019 Composer: Aki Takahashi Premiere Performance: Saturday, November 28, 2019       Wearing a kimono, the traditional Japanese costume, is not easy. It is long and heavy, and constricts one’s movement thereby affecting one’s posture. You definitely need a "SUGATAMI" when you put on a kimono. Sugatami means “a full-length mirror”...

Donan Kudoki

Composer:Unknown - traditionalArrangement:Aki TakahashiPremiere Performance:October 10, 2014 - Fleck Dance Theatre In winter, the northern part of Japan lies buried beneath a heavy, cold white blanket. Winters there have always been harsh, but were especially so in the period before the rise of modern transportation and...

Ya Hoi

Date Composed: 2019 Composer: Aki Takahashi Premiere Performance: Sunday, March 3, 2019 ...

Gunbai

Date Composed: 2019 Composer: Aki Takahashi Premiere Performance: Sunday, March 3, 2019 Many of the movements in this composition were inspired by sumo wrestling matches in which the referee carries around a specialized fan called gunbai. ...

Jiten

Date Composed: 2018 Composer: Aki Takahashi Premiere Performance: Saturday, November 24, 2018 This composition is based on the story of Yamagami Soju (1973-1957), one of the most respected tea ceremony masters of this generation. As a young man, however, he once came across merchandise that was still very exotic in Japan...

Kagero

Date Composed: 2018 Composer: Aki Takahashi Premiere Performance: Saturday, November 24, 2018 This composition is based on the story “Betrayal” by author and storyteller Rui Umezawa.  Dance and choreography by Noriko Kusama. ...

Mochizuki

Date Composed:2017Composer:Aki TakahashiPremiere Performance:November 17, 2017 The festivities begin with the making of white and round mochi cakes, symbols of the full moon, that are pounded from steamed rice with large wooden hammers. During this time, people dance joyfully and sing comical lyrics to express happiness...

Ishizue

Date Composed:2017Composer:Aki TakahashiPremiere Performance:November 18, 2017 Excitement fills the air as shamisen and chappa play in preparation for the full moon celebration. ...