Join us for our final First Thursday Happy Hour on August 1st! With only one month remaining, this is your last chance to enjoy after-hour access to the Then They Came for Me exhibition exploring the incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII and its parallels to current events.
We are excited to host Ito, a community yosakoi dance program located in San Francisco Japantown at the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC). Yosakoi is an energetic dance style that combines traditional Japanese movements with modern music. Their name “Ito” (糸 “Tapestry”) emphasizes the relationships woven together between members of a community.
Ito is bringing a summer matsuri festival flair to First Thursday Happy Hour! Come watch Ito as they dance yosakoi, highlighting the dancers moving together with the strength of an ocean wave. Then, join in the fun yourself as Ito leads the crowd in audience participation yosakoi dances and Obon dances. Obon dances (Bon Odori) are a Japanese Buddhist custom that invites people of all ages and abilities to dance in a circle together to honor the spirits of one’s ancestors. No dancing experience required – just move to the beat and follow along. Check out Ito’s energetic performance at the 2019 Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival here!
Doors open for Happy Hour at 5 pm.
Ito’s performance will begin at 6:45 pm.
Interested in joining Ito? No dance experience is necessary; all you need is a willingness to learn and try new experiences! If you are interested, email itoyosakoi@gmail.com or check them out on Youtube, Facebook, and Instagram!
For more information about this event, check out the Then They Came for Me Facebook event page or email info@thentheycame.org.
