Okinawan Dance

Jimpu Kai USA, directed by Cheryl Yoshie Nakasone, is an Okinawan performing arts group that brings the vibrant culture of Okinawa’s music and dance to life. Enjoy numbers ranging from traditional folk dances, to the classical art of kumiwudui, the dance-drama performed for the kings of Ryukyu in old Okinawa, and to colorful, contemporary dances with taiko. Sing along with music performed on the Okinawan sanshin, the snakeskin three-stringed instrument, and learn the freestyle dance of atchame that everyone can join in! This 45-minute program is suitable for ages 12 and older.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i, Atherton Family Foundation, Hawaii State Federal Credit Union, HEI Charitable Foundation, Meadow Gold Dairies, HMS Host, Hansen Distribution Group, DFS Hawaii, Roberts Hawaii, Toshiba Business Solutions, and Aloha United Way. This is a production of the University of Hawaii at Manoa Outreach College’s Statewide Cultural Extension Program with additional funding provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, and the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

For more information, please contact the Art, Music & Recreation Section at 586-3520.