Three weeks ago I wandered into a traditional Japanese dance rehersal by accident.  I then found myself coerced into learning said dance.  This in itself is a wonderful thing, very beatiful, so traditional, "look at me, I'm getting in touch with my roots" etc.  The problem lay in that this weekend in Okinawa there is a major Christian conference in town.  And we were to perfom at the Opening Welcome Ceremony, in front of a small, intimate group of around 100 people. 

Which meant that for the last three weeks I have busted a gut trying to learn all the subtle nuances of buyo, (the dance style) and there are many, all for today.  The photo below shows us mid-performance.  (Really, the getting ready, with the hair and make up was a whole 'nother Titan effort...)    

I was so nervous.  I mean, really sit down and puke nervous, but things went off without a hitch and I actually enjoyed myself (especially towards the end).  It was great!

Now I can put away this dance which I've lived and breathed for the last 3 weeks.  I've washed and hung the yukatas to dry.  They are ready to be folded and given back to their owners, and I'm about to celebrate the end with some ice cream.      

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