ADD Kunitachi City

"When Osamu Jareo told me about ADD, I was so happy that I immediately responded, "Yes !" in taking part. This is because our arts center was just getting started in focusing on contemporary dance as our programming that shapes our venue. We thought it was a great opportunity to collaborate with artists and experts who are very active on the front lines of the field. Also, while the perspective of "diversity" has been important for a regional venue, we have been looking for some more concrete, continuous project ideas.

After the research by the committee members, recruitment of "experienced locals", calls for participation, and opening of the workshops, the project started off smoothly with energetic children making their way to our arts center. Then suddenly came the COVID-19 pandemic and all activities came to a halt. However, the way the committee worked together in doing what can be done, and the participation of the children and adults, has shed light to our arts center, not only for the ADD program, but as its entirety as well.

Contemporary dance, children, the various adults in the community, and diversity: I feel that it's my mission to develop, update, and expand these different elements contained in the ADD program. If at all possible, I dream of making it the pillar in building Kunitachi City's art and culture policies."

Kaori Saito
(Kunitachi Community Arts Center)

"At first, I thought they wouldn't be too interested in another country they are not familiar with. But as they began to dance, I was really surprised by their enthusiasm to learn about the dance and our culture." (Maurice Morancie)
"I think dance is one of the most fun ways to get people to learn about different cultures. So maybe, when the children reach adulthood with these memories held somewhere, they will wonder why they know the song of bélé." (Zia Holder)

Maurice Morancie & Zia Holder

"Being able to take on something new in my neighborhood,despite the age, gender, and genre differences, I think, is a fresh way of communication." (Kalehua Yoshida)
"Since I've been solely dedicating myself to tahitian and hula dancing for over a decade, it was exciting to be exposed to other dances, discovering creative ideas and teaching methods." (Mana Yoshida)

Kalehua Yoshida & Mana Yoshida