It is probably more interesting as a slice of the Taiwanese psyche than as
an artistic performance, but the Chikaku New Japanese Stage Dancing School's
15th anniversary performance at Novel Hall is certain to be colorful - an
perhaps even a little instructive.
It is very much a family affair. The atmosphere of the tiny two-floor
apartment that serves as the Chikaku Association is intensely Taiwanese,
except for the kimonos, the occasional up-swept coiffeur, heavily lacquered,
and the almost exclusive use of Japanese among the staff. Housewives and
young girls practice a profoundly artificial grace as they go through their
paces to music saturated in sentiment. While the costume is always the
kimono, the music shifts from traditional ballads through to popular songs.
"These are just people who like things Japanese," said Chen-Cheng Yue-Ching(
陳鄭月卿), who has dedicated many years to studying the dance and is the
director of the Chikaku Foundation(千鶴會).
"We are all amateurs, but we have been in Japan for competitions and
surprised everyone by winning prizes," Chen-Cheng said.
While definitely a minority hobby, Chen-Cheng expects a good turn out for
their Novel Hall performance. "Normally we play at smaller venues," she
said, but for this special anniversary, we chose Novel Hall. "We are also
getting specialists from Japan to do the makeup and so on. It is a big
event."
For those with a passion for falling plum blossoms or simply a taste for the
unexpected, Chikaku's performance at 1:30pm tomorrow could prove an
interesting diversion. Tickets cost between NT$300 to NT$1,000 and are
available through Acer ticketing and at the door.
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