SACHIYO ITO & COMPANY

“Miss Ito appeared to mix styles, combining Japanese formality with the fluidity of western modern dance. Movements were delicate and it seemed as if Miss Ito were about to dissolve into mist with each step.”
The New York Times 		“Sachiyo Ito, an expressive and powerful performer, is, at the same time, touchingly delicate.”
The Village Voice 		“Ito has achieved mastery of [traditional] forms, absorbing the necessary discipline and techniques. Ito was a model of control and refinement.”
Dance Magazine



DANCE SCHOOL FOR JAPANESE CLASSICAL DANCE
AND OKINAWAN DANCE nihongo: dance school

Sachiyo Ito & Company offers private lessons and classes of Kabuki Dance and Okinawan Court Dance. Beginners learn first, how to get dressed in Kimono, the basic movements, how to use dance fans for expressive movements, then a short dancer piece.

Advanced students are also welcome.

We also have new lessons for children.



AVAILABLE PROGRAMS

One week Residency: Japanese Culture Through Dance
Dr. Ito's program brings the beautiful art and culture of Japan into the classroom to enhance the school curricula and serve as a resource for the community.

One-day Workshop: The workshop provides the students an over-all picture of Japanese dance and performing arts such as Noh, Kabuki, and Okinawan dance, and their related forms.

Concert: Full performance can include lecture-demonstration.
 

A RECENT CONCERT REVIEWThe New York Times

Peace Quest, Personal And Global

Sachiyo Ito and Company offered a "Concert Dedicated to World Peace" on Saturday afternoon at the Clark Studio Theater and made the program artistically meaningful as well as idealistically honorable.

This New York-based troupe of dancers and musicians presents works in both Japanese classical and contemporary styles. The matinee harmoniously united them.

Ms. Ito danced two solos. In the whimsical "Moon Child," which she also choreographed, she gazed wistfully upward, as if longing for the moon. And in this production, designed by Robert Mitchell, the moon came down to her in the form of a glittering silver ball, which she played with and cuddled.

"Yamanba (The Old woman of the Mountain)" was a scene from a Kabuki play of 1848. Here Ms. Ito portrayed an elderly woman bidding her son farewell. Her careful steps, turns of the head and side glances invested the slightest actions with dignity.
In "An Invitation to Bell," a production emphasizing processional movements for Ms. Ito and for an ensemble, Jennifer Kato read poems by Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese monk and peace activist. Many celebrated a spirit of renewal, and the choreography was appropriately calm. But poems about violence and tyranny inspired jagged gesticulations from Ms. Ito.

Then order was restored and the audience was invited to join the cast in a meditative walk onstage. Most accepted, stepping serenely while guided by the sounds of a gong and a bell. The unhurried progress became a pilgrimage into peace.

Jack Anderson, December 14th,1999
 

SACHIYO ITO & COMPANY UPCOMING EVENTS


On the 10th Year Anniversary of the Salon Series

For the last 10 years Sachiyo Ito and Company has offered the Salon Series, a series of informative and educational lectures, lecture-demonstrations and performances aimed at those who are interested in deepening their knowledge of the performing arts of Japan, three times a year on Sunday afternoons at Tenri Cultural Institute, New York City. The unique combination of education and entertainment inspired NY audiences artistically and intellectually, and has served as resources for the Japanese culture and arts. 2008 marks the 10th year of the Salon Series, and the company is celebrating the Salon Series programs with special guests, and also with special concerts. The fusion of dance and poetry is being explored through several programs. For those events already held during May and June, see the link below to RECENT PAST EVENTS.


The Anniversary Concert II: Only Breath
November 22, at 3pm and 8pm
Ticket: $20 for Advance purchase, $25 at the Door
Information: Sachiyo Ito and Company at 212-627-0265 (Tel / Fax)

Only Breath is a collaboration of dance, poetry recitation, and music. Artistic Director, Sachiyo Ito, will be joined by the guest artists, Jamie Sieber, the cellist and vocalist, and Kim Rosen, spoken word artist from the west coast. Together, they will offer a concert of music, dance, and poetry from ancient and modern mystical sources, speaking the language of the soul, and carrying us into deeper connection with ourselves, others, and the world.

For information on concerts, workshops and classes, contact:
Sachiyo Ito & Company
405 West 23rd Street, Ste 4G
New York, NY 10011
Tel/Fax (212) 627-0265
www.dancejapan.com
Contact us


BIOGRAPHY

JAPANESE CULTURE THROUGH DANCE

HAIKU AND WALKING MEDITATION

RECENT PAST EVENTS

OPPORTUNITIES WITH SACHIYO ITO & COMPANY

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