Shall We Dance?

I participated a bon-dance in Valley on 20th September. It was called Valley Festival and it was advertised on TV. I looked forward to a dance because I wear a yukata. It was second times to wear it for me! Also I heard that there is a yakisoba shop from Mr. Mori. I was so excited! The night before this festival, my group members practiced dances in Cannon House where I live during this semester because we practiced only twice at JCC before the Valley Festival, so we worried whether we will success it or not next day. We danced three kinds of bon-dances. At first dance, I didn’t know that details. Second dance is called “hana-gasa.” this danced using plate which is white and many kinds of artificial flowers on it. At third dance, had audiences and students of Mukogawa together because we named each motion so we can teach easily. For example, “dig” looks to dig earth with shovel and another called “shoulder” to shoulder something on shoulder. People who joined third dance looked excited to dance. I enjoyed dancing with them.After that, we went around there. There were a lot of shops and events. I saw Japanese things such as yakisoba, karate and kakigouri which was called “hawaian-ice” there. Also there were a lot of cars. I could not how many cars there. Almost all cars were very old. The oldest one, I saw there, was made in 1910. Almost 100 years ago! I was surprised!

Next, I saw a contest to chop a log with axe. The champion was decided by finish time. The contest was separated women and men. Of course they seemed strongly, especially women. The fastest time in women was 6:30! It is very fast! I thought they practiced a lot for this contest. It is not in Japan so I was interested in it. I really enjoyed them.