From September 7th thru the 10th of 2006, the Koshares participated in the 16th Annual Grassroots Summit hosted by the State of Colorado. During this time, groups traveling from
Japan began their summit in Colorado Springs. After the formal opening of the event the Japanese groups were sent to all parts of the state with the Koshare Indian Dancers hosting the largest group -- members from Dance Space of Yamagata Japan.
The Yumi Dance Company is made up of youth between the ages of 12 and 18. The program blends traditional Japanese dance with jazz and is suitable for all ages. Dance Space incorporates Western culture dance (such as ballet and jazz) with the Eastern style expression of the body. Their dance focuses heavily on the Western style, but it is adapted to the Japanese environment - specifically the Yamagata environment. Yamagata is surrounded by the mountains and is physically and spiritually "isolated." In this climate their hears are deepened spiritually from the presence of the ancient divines. Dance has an amazing way of portraying deep meanings and connecting cultures, while at the same time it is the language of the body common all over the world - that needs no words.
ABOUT DANCE SPACE
The Manjiro Summit, sponsored by the John Manjiro-Whitfield Commemorative Center for International Exchange (CIE), is held annually, alternating between a city in the U.S. and a city in Japan. Colorado hosted the 16th Japan-America Grassroots Summit (the Manjiro Summit) in Colorado Springs in September 2006. The annual summit is a meeting of Americans and Japanese from all walks of life to get to know each other, exchange ideas, and share cultures for mutual understanding and friendship.
Over 200 particpants from thoughout Japan came for a week of activites and homestays with local Colorado families. The exchange began with arrival at DIA and travel to the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, followed by tours in the local area, and an Opening Ceremony (September 6). The participants then traveled to a host family (homestay) for 3 days, in one of 10 local session sites (Chaffee County, Teller County, Manitou Springs, La Junta/Rocky Ford, La Veta, Westcliffe, Clear Creek County, Royal Gorge Country, Denver and Colorado Springs). Participants had the opportunity to experience living in ordinary American homes with their host families. The Summit concluded with a Closing Ceremony at the Penrose House on September 10th. Japanese participants returned to Japan or departed for optional tours throughout the United States on September 11th.
Since this was a "grassroots Summit," anyone interested in promoting friendship and understanding between the people of American and of Japan may participate. This year, a 40-member dance team from Colorado's sister-state of Yamagata, shared dance cultures with the Koshare Indian Dancers in La Junta. Next year's Summit will be held in Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture; these visitors brought samples of their sake (rice wine) and miso (soy bean paste for soup base) for which Noto is famous to share with Coloradoans. Several visitors were Japanese farmers who did homestays with Colorado farmers in areas such as Rocky Ford.
