It’s time for a dance party! Join Lanesboro Arts and Artist-in-Residency Alys Ayumi Ogura for a celebratory exploration of Japanese folk dance: Thursday, August 14 from 6:00-8:00pm at Gateway Park in Lanseboro, MN.
Participants will start by learning some simple Japanese folk dances, known as Bon Odori, and then all will celebrate with a Lanesboro version of the Obon Festival, a Japanese summer festival.
Yumi has invited Mia Oi of Ichigo Tokyo Crepes and Maria Traxler of MinnesoDance to join us! MinnesoDance will teach beginner-friendly Yosakoi and Tokyo Ondo dances. There will be free delicious Tokyo-style crepes available for free, first-come-first-served, and a variety of Japanese snacks and drinks for purchase.
Obon is a blend of ancient Japanese beliefs about ancestral spirits and a Buddhist custom that honors the spirits of one’s ancestors. Bon Odori literally means “dances at Obon.”
In the event of rain, this event will take place at the St. Mane Theatre. The event is free and open to the public.