stage intro - for mom

February 4, 2008
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cc is always welcome. this is the intro page to my stage for my mom's album. (i'm still waiting on her do write the journaling for mine...funny how she always writes her own first..lol) i'm not sure if i like the placement of the text. i tried playing with it, but she wrote so much, i didn't know what to do with it all. (i'm not a journaler so that much text scares me a little.)

journaling reads:

I was totally unprepared for the extent of Gina’s dance preparations. Although I had viewed a previous dance performance via a video tape she sent, it did not cover the behind-the-scene activities. And while I enjoyed her dance, and was bursting with pride when I saw her take the stage, in many ways all of the preparations were more interesting for me. That may seem strange, but I’ve seen many live performances, but have not been involved with bringing the performers to that presentation moment.

Gina had to be at the theater by 10ish for a 2:30 performance. My taxi-driver, her host father, brought me about noon. Of course, I stood out like a sore thumb because I was the only Caucasian there, so immediately someone escorted me to Gina’s dressing room just in time for lunch. Lunch was a disgusting obento box that the dance sensei provided. Gina had the foresight to know this wasn’t going to appeal, so she went to a convenient store and bought much more tolerable food. Before, during, and after lunch, each of the dancers presented gifts to each other (and I do mean some VERY nice items!).

Gina asked me to take pictures of the master make-up artist transforming her from a blond American to a “white” Japanese woman. My, what an ordeal! Although I was a novice with a digital camera, I relished every minute during the process. Every step was a precise calculation from the first base coat to the final presentation of a tip! I wish I had a video camera to really capture the intensity of the process because words can’t adequately describe this.

After the facial makeover, the ceremonial kimono dressing began. Layer after layer of clothing was placed on Gina. I didn’t know how she could walk, let alone dance! It was unbelievable! The final piece de résistance was adjusting a gorgeous wig upon her head. Oh my god! If I didn’t know this was my daughter, I would not have recognized her!

After she was dressed, I was ushered to the audience to await Gina’s performance. Here, I met Tomomi’s mother, Ayako, Ryosuke, Shannon and Christian. We took seats near the front. Finally Gina was introduced…all in Japanese, of course…but I picked up a few words like “American” and “mamma”. People around me were applauding and looking from me to the stage. Ayako explained what was said: Gina was the first American to perform this style of Nihon Buyo in her own stage and her mother traveled from America to watch her.

Watch, I did! It was fabulous! Later Gina disputed this, but to an untrained eye that knows nothing of what the dance should be, I loved it all…the background, the umbrella, the fan, the music…all of it!

Afterwards we went backstage where I met Kayoko, her son and employee and three of Gina’s colleagues. I was impressed that so many of her friends traveled from Ashikaga to Tokyo to watch this. All in all, the Nihon Buyo Stage was an unforgettable experience.

All SG products:

everything is from the VRA_Mingei Collection (some things have been recolored)

From the album: