‘Echoes: Vibrations from Japan to Canada’ is set to Unite the Past and Present Through Reverberating Movements & Sound

A journey of cultural resonance and artistic expression will come to life, presented by Ottawa Dance Directive in the Arts Court Theatre, from Thursday, November 21, to Saturday, November 23, as Series Dance 10 #52 presents Echoes: Vibrations from Japan to Canada, a transcendent performance choreographed and performed by Takako Segawa.

At the heart of Echoes lies the notion that even the smallest actions ripple outward, much like a butterfly’s wing, creating waves of change around the globe. The performance draws on Japanese cultural motifs that resonate through Canada and beyond, celebrating the cross-cultural vibrations that connect distant lands through art.

Segawa, an award-winning contemporary dancer originally from Japan, brings a refined, global perspective to her choreography. Educated at the London Contemporary Dance School, Segawa toured Europe extensively before immigrating to Canada in 2011.

Echoes showcases her deep connection to her Japanese roots while embracing Western contemporary dance forms, blending tradition and innovation. She performs the piece alongside three taiko drummers and one soprano vocalist, creating a dynamic fusion of sound and movement.

The live music is crafted by Heidi Chan, who leads on taiko composition and arrangement, while Noriko Hashimoto, Kyoko Ogoda, and Melisa Kamibayashi-Staples perform additional arrangements and vocals.

Segawa’s Ottawa-based work highlights her commitment to connecting Japanese and Canadian audiences. As the Kochi Yosakoi Ambassador for her hometown in Japan, she regularly performs at events by the Embassy of Japan in Canada, the Ottawa Japanese Community Association, and the Japan Exchange and Teaching Alumni Association.

Merging traditional taiko drumming and vocal compositions with contemporary dance, Echoes: Vibrations from Japan to Canada reminds us of the power of cultural exchange and artistic expression, uniting the past with the present through each reverberating movement.

Don’t miss the chance to experience Echoes: Vibrations from Japan to Canada, a performance that captures the enduring cultural bonds between two nations through the language of dance and music. Doors open at 7 p.m. nightly, with the performance beginning at 7:30 p.m.

For tickets to any of the three Echoes: Vibrations from Japan to Canada performances, visit Eventbrite.

Ottawa Dance Directive Series 10 Dance #52: Echoes: Vibrations from Japan to Canada
Thursday, November 21, Friday, November 22, and Saturday, November 23, 2024
WHERE: Arts Court Theatre, 2 Daly Avenue
TIME: Doors open at 7 p.m., performance at 7:30 p.m.
TICKETS: Adults $35, Students and Seniors $25