Credit: Embassy of Japan in Luxembourg
The Embassy of Japan in Luxembourg has announced a new, free cultural event: Awa Odori dance performances by the dance group "Takarabune”, set to take place on 17 and 18 September in Luxembourg-Ville and Esch-Belval.
On Tuesday 17 September 2024, the Japanese dance group will put on a public concert and dance performance in Place d'Armes, Luxembourg-Ville. There will be several 20-30 minute performances, at 12h30, 15h00 and 18h00. Registration is not required.
On Wednesday 18 September 2024, another free dance performance will be offered at the University of Luxembourg in Esch-Belval, at the Maison des Arts et des Ètudiants (MAE), 6 Avenue de la Fonte at 19:00. A full performance of Takarabune will be offered in a seated concert setting. Doors open at 18:30 for this event organised in collaboration with the University of Luxembourg.
Ticket reservation is mandatory, available at the following link: https://forms.gle/A2JXNjqaksZP3v2b9
"Awa Odori" (阿波踊り, Odori means dance) is a Japanese traditional dance that originated in the Awa region and has a history of over 450 years. Its festival is one of the biggest and most well-known in Japan and takes place every August. Last year about 540,000 people reportedly visited the festival.
During the festival, groups of choreographed dancers and musicians known as ren (連) dance through the streets, typically accompanied by the shamisen lute, taiko drums, shinobue flute and the kane bell. Performers wear traditional obon dance costumes and chant and sing as they parade through the streets.
"Takarabune" means "Treasure ship" and it is a Japanese dance group of Awa Odori. Takarabune combines costumes, singing, taiko drums and kane bell to an energetic festival dance. They push the limits of this revered traditional art, with a signature dance style that is so energetic and vigorous it makes audiences want to join in, the organisers added.
With more than 300 shows per year, Takarabune has performed in 69 cities all around the globe.
