Daily report day 4, 10 january 2011

Today I witnessed a very interesting rehearsal. The training started with basic exercises. Fumio coaches the actors individually to improve the position or movements. Later on two choreographies were rehearsed. The first is the sword dance with the women. The main focus is on the rhythm in which the sequence of movements has to be done. Mihoko and Fumio look for the right tempo with the song which will be combined with the dance.

In the second part a choreography with three dancers is rehearsed. In this part Fumio is directing in search for the right flow and energy to arise the imagination. He wants the movement inspires the audience the specific quality of natural elements like water, wind, earth and fire. For me this was a very inspiring moment. How the energy from the centre point is awakened and finds its flow in the movement to express the right image.

In the theatrical work within my theatregroup we were searching in the same direction. We trained Ki power in Aikido movements in order to use the energy for expressing emotions. We distinguished several different energies by which we could evoke  emotions in a physical approach. This way of working made the expression organic and intense. An emotion could be performed with strong expression and developed in an organic way in a short time to a maximum degree.

O-Getsu Ryu has the same perspective and follows a different approach through sword dance. It was so wonderful to recognize this principle. There is much more to share and to explore than I imagined at first sight. I am very happy to be here and follow the artistic work of O-Getsu Ryu. Can't wait till the next rehearsal.....