May 29 2008
Dancing Fools
champuru bon dance posse
On Saturday, I coordinated a BBQ potluck to kick off the summer and the coming of the bon dance season. The attendees were the core group that I arbitrarily call the “champuru bon dance posse,” mainly because I’m usually the instigator that rallies the gang and determines where we’ll be on any given weekend during the bon dance season. (I’m bossy like that.) Actually, our attendance is usually determined by whether or not the temple features Okinawan dancing.
I truly love the summer. Of course, as a Christian, I do not observe the religious aspect of obon, but participate for the cultural experience. It’s also a wonderful way to spend warm summer evenings outdoors, enjoying good friends, food, music, and dancing. We bring our folding chairs and eat fried noodles and spam musubi under the moonlight, engaging in lively conversation accompanied by taiko drums and spirited music.
I created a website specifically for bon dance information at dancingfools.org. The domain name is based on the Japanese proverb that I’ve been using as the motto for all of my bon dance videologs:
“We’re fools whether we dance or not,
so we might as well dance.”
The site contains the 2008 bon dance schedule as well as links to photos and videos from last year’s escapades. I’ll be updating it throughout the summer as well, so check back often. I also intend to create some “Dancing Fools” apparel and accessories as soon as I can muster the motivation to work on the designs.
If you see my preggie belly in a hapi coat this bon dance season, be sure to stop by and say “hello.”
A 30-something Christian girl, blissfully wedded to her perfect match (the yang to her yin) of 14 years. A new mom to her miracle baby, born on October 4, 2008. Living life in Hawaii, less than 5 miles from her hometown, a slave to her mortgage payment, but seeking balance in her pursuit of family, faith, recreation, and rest.
I have to say that I love the domain name. I was thinking you’d call it bondanceposse.org instead.
Donna, I love your blogs, esp. the Dancingfools! You said as a christian you don’t observe the religious aspect of it. But why not observe the religious aspect??? Why are you a “dancing fool”??? Obon goes beyond the religious and cultural ties to what the most important question is….who am I?
There is a film where your quote is used -“We’re fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance.”
Fools’ Dance
Drama | 1983 | 30 mins | VHS, DVD
Director
Robert A. Nakamura
Producers
Karen Ishizuka, Robert A. Nakamura
If you have a chance you should watch it.
P.S. How come you havent come to Aiea Hongwanji yet?? The next Saturday after Mililani……
Thanks and Congrats on the baby!
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