Stars of the East

On June 15th, I had the opportunity to attend Stars of the East at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center, presented by Asia Pacific Cultural Center.  The event was a showcase of magnificent dance, music, theatre, and martial arts performances representing three countries: China, Japan, and Korea.

Program Leaders:
Yu Long, Chinese certified actress and founder and president of the American Face Changing Art Institute
Mary Ohno, Director of Kabuki Academy and Goodwill Ambassador from Tokyo, Japan
Sinae Cheh, Artistic Director for Morning Star Korean Cultural Center

Japan Program

Mary Ohno and Kabuki Academy, Kaya Yamazaki and Japanese Dance World

Ogi Zukushi:  Japanese Fan Dance

Sanbasou (excerpt):  Ancient Ritual Dance for Rice Planting

Ouzatsuma:  A Dramatic Shamisen Solo from the Kabuki Theatre

Musume Dojoji (excerpt):  The Maiden at Dojoji Temple

Genroku Hanami Odori:  Cherry Blossom Dance of the Genroku Era

Sawagi-uta: Boisterous Song

Chikiri and The School of Taiko

Miyaki composed by Ringtaro Tateishi

Mitsu-Uchi composed by Ringtaro Tateishi

Korea Program

Morning Star Korean Cultural Center

Flower Crown Dance:  An iconic royal court dance

Forest:  A modern recreation of the traditional fan dance

In the Beginning:  Korean drums

Celebration:  Samulnori, Korean traditional percussion music

China Program 

Chengdu Sichuan Opera Institute, Seattle Guzheng Education Institute, Little Angel Studio

Thoughts on a Quiet Night: Song based on a classical poem by Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai with dance accompanied by guzheng

Yue Li, TLD4you

Sleepless Night:  Song and pop dance 

Yu Long, Chengdu Sichuan Opera Institute

In the Deep of the Night:  Ribbon dance performed to a famous Chinese Opera song performed on jinghu

Chinese Dance Academy

Purple Bamboo Melody (Zi Zhu Diao):  Dance performed to a well known folk song

NW Gongfu and Fitness, Shaolin Kung Fu Chan Academy

Lion Dance, Drum, and Shaolin Kung Fu

Chinese Wushu and Tai Chi Academy, Chengdu Sichuan Opera Institute

Taichi

Bian Lian: Face changing performance including eight-headed face changing 

Traditional Korean Wedding Presentation

On June 16th, Asia Pacific Cultural Center (APCC) hosted a traditional Korean wedding demonstration at the Washington State History Museum to celebrate the restoration of an approximately 200-year-old Kama (가마 - a palanquin or sedan used to transport the bride) from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), which would be housed at the museum.

The event began inside the museum with an Appreciation Ceremony recognizing the donation of the Kama by Sandra and Bob Mattielli and its restoration and recreation by Jae Ik Song. Speakers included Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodard and Consul General of the Republic of South Korea in Seattle Hyung-jong Lee.

Guests were lead outside for the wedding ceremony by the joyful Samulnori group, Oolleemm.

Once everyone was seated, the bride was carried over in the Kama.  

The wedding ceremony (Honrye) demonstration was officiated by Kyung Hoon Lee, a member of the royal family.    

The ceremony was immediately followed by a beautiful Ip-chum (traditional Korean dance) performance choreographed by Jin-Sook Yang.

The event closed with traditional songs (including Arirang, of course!) performed by Gook Ak HanMaDang featuring Da-Hyang Kwon.