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To Live in the Moment Without Fear

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To Live in the Moment Without Fear is a work by Yuko Shinoda from Gifu, Japan.  Danced by six women, the dance investigates what it means to be a part of a community threatened by a disaster that takes a life.  Premiered June 5th 2011 in Nagoya, Japan, the dance features a strong movement aesthetic that draws from traditional Japanese dance as well as contemporary styles and contact improvisation.  Shinoda's use of space and timing, as her dancers flow in-and-out of solos, duets, trios, and unison, creates a sense that the dancers are unified and alone at the same time.  In the end, Shinoda's view of life is clear: we must tend to the fallen, but we must never surrender ourselves to fear while we are still alive.

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  1. schatjeyukaJuly 3, 2011 at 1:04 AM

    Nice performance, still around in Hikone? Assuming not performing at the bridge :)

    Rob Oudendijk
    http://yr-design.biz
    http://oudendijk.biz

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  2. LizBJuly 21, 2011 at 10:13 PM

    Beautiful! There are so many interesting things happening in this piece, but it's very direct, too. I really like the use of the fabric throughout the piece - simple and effective. Yay, costuming!

    By the way, how is your communication situation with this company? What languages are you using? When I lived in Japan and danced and did yoga, I was always amazed at when verbal communication was necessary and when it wasn't. When it was difficult and when it was easy. I'm curious about your experience.

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  3. AbigailJuly 29, 2011 at 5:23 AM

    We speak a weird mixture of English and Japanese. Often I can judge what to do by how the choreographer moves, as when she talks she'll gesture. I've gotten used to reading bodies here as much as or more than words. Even so, I'm learning a lot every day about the Japanese culture and language through this process.

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