(Newswire.net — February 11, 2014) — New York, NY
Saeko Ichinohe, after more than 40 years of presenting the fusion of Japanese and American dance worldwide, has closed her company because she says: “It’s time!”. Her dancers, both Asian and Caucasian, were among the best dancers in the industry, presenting Saeko’s choreography perfectly, lovingly and absolutely flawlessly. Cobi Narita, Jazz Producer and Founder of The Jazz Center of New York is presenting a commemorative dance performance and celebrative evening of farewell to Ms. Ichinohe on Sunday February 23, 2014 from 6pm to 9pm, all are invited and welcome.
Saeko danced in many of her own productions. Her costumes were sumptuous, opulent, beautiful and visually exciting. Her dancers are now dispersed around the country, but those who are able to be in New York, will dance “one more time” for their mentor, teacher and leader of one of the longest running Japanese dance companies in America.
Saeko Icninohe is the founder, director, choreographer and a dancer in her New York based dance company, The Saeko Ichinohe Dance Company. This celebration is in honor of her retirement from performing with her company and marks the end of her 41 years of continuing performance and choreographic work.
The Saeko Ichinohe Dance Company, (www.ichinohedance.org) founded in 1970, incorporates the rich historical Japanese dance tradition with contemporary Western Dance. The company was created to inspire mutual understanding, joy and wonder to all people, from every background and culture through dance.
With stunning visual movement, generous displays of color and light and intense discipline, the company leaves a rich legacy and major contribution to the cross cultural appreciation of dance as a vehicle for internalizing and understanding how the traditions of Japan and United States blend.
With a focus on merging traditional Japanese movement, music and costumes with modern Western movement, Ms. Ichinohe is the first Japanese choreographer to win a choreographic prize in the U.S. and to create works for American ballet companies.
Her New York based company has established a cultural bridge for Western audiences, combining the traditions and art forms of Japan with American contemporary dance. Ichinohe has taught Ballet Arts at the New York City Center for the Performing Arts, Boston Ballet Summer School, Netherlands Dance Theatre, London Contemporary Dance School and many other dance institutions here in the U. S. and around the world.
A native of Japan and a graduate of the Juilliard School, she is the winner of the Vstris Prize-First Place (Boston) and the Second Prize at the Young Choreographers Competition (Germany) and the St. Denis Award (NYC). her works have been presented in China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Norway and Venezuela.
She has created works for the Boston Ballet, the Joffrey II Dancers, Atlanta Ballet, Chiang Ching Dance Company, Eglevsky Ballet, Julliard Dance Ensemble, Louisville Ballet, Marin Ballet, PHILDANCO and other companies.
Her contribution to the cultural fabric of dance and to the dance community all over the world will be sorely missed. There will be a dance presentation and following that, a “Sushi and Soul Food” buffet supper.
Admission: $20.00
At the door
To Make Reservations:
Cobi Narita
516.624.9406
For more info, please visit:
www.ichinohedance.org
Catherine Castle
201.723.4762
White Diamond Media