Ala Moana Shopping Center in Honolulu boasts a fair sized stage where live performances occur throughout the day. It is a great way to entertain the shoppers and serves as a way to teach others about the different cultures in Hawaii. It is free of charge.
I don't think I could ever pass through Honolulu without a stop to the shopping center. On my most recent trip (the other week), the performance was Japanese fan dancing.
From Wikipedia (about the significance of fans in the Japanese culture):
Japanese fans are made of paper on a bamboo frame, usually with a design painted on them. The fan is primarily used for fanning oneself in hot weather. The fan symbolizes friendship, respect and good wishes. It is a gift that is given to people on special occasions, and it is also an important stage prop for the Japanese dance performances. It was also used in the military as a way of sending signals on the field of battle, however fans were mainly used for social and court activities. They were used by warriors as a form of weapon, actors and dancers for performances, and children as a toy. The fan stands for many things, the Japanese believe that the handle of the fan symbolizes the beginning of life and the ribs are for the roads of life going out in all directions.
This is from the 'balcony' above the side area of the stage where you can sit and watch the show. If you look closely at the top left corner of the image, you can see another dancer.
Every week, a group of us from around the world post our shadow shots over at Hey Harriet. Entertain your muse and be amused by stopping by to see what others have posted!
You can view all of my 2009 Shadow Shot Sunday images on my Flickr account. Click here and then select the "Shadow Shot" set.
19 comments:
great dancing shadow...love it.
We're trying to figure out how the fan was used as a weapon..hmmmmmm!
Love the shadow of the dancer - love that you see the fan there!
Fabulous as always Paula!!
love that first shot - such a crisp shadow of the fan..
The shadow of the performer is itself artistic. Every exquisite move by her is the style and tradition from the ages. The paper fan seems delicate but its strength comes from the user, not the material...
The balcony rail is outstanding. We see it in a vertical motif, so it seems of the ceiling. I had to gather my thoughts and look again. It is a protective railing - sometimes we need to challenge our viewpoints to see what is actually happening. Outstanding post!
Fabulous captures, Paula! Love the dancer and the wonderful shadow of the fan! Very interesting information, too! Always adds to the photo! Enjoy your weekend!
Sylvia
That's an awesome dancing shadow. I am once an Philippine Asian Native Dancer in the university, so I know how to dance with fan and other things too, §;-)
Happy SS Lady...
Come over to my place to join my fun day...
xoxo
I love that first shot!
Beautiful! I'd find it hard to drag myself away from such fascinating entertainment.
Love the balcony shot, too.
What a graceful shot..beautiful.
So interesting about the fan. We have been given a couple of fans from our daughter's Japanese college friends, when they came here for Thanksgiving.
Happy SSS.
There's something so graceful about traditional Japanese dancers, isn't there? I am trying to figure out how the fan could be used as a weapon. My guess is that the enemy would be stunned by the sudden appearance of a mighty foe waving a fan at them and they wouldn't notice the nasty weapon in the other hand.
Very good shadow shot! The fan shadow is an absolute winner - well spotted!
Both photos are outstanding!
Free of charge!? To me that means the powers that be really want to share Hawaii's heritage!
Thank you for the information about fans. I have a better appreciation of them now.
I can see why you make sure to visit this place. Wonderful entertainment and shadows galore!
Lucky girl, I have always been fascinated with anything of the Orient, the dances just hold me spellbound, the people and their customs are just magical to me and I'm mesmerized by them, as I am the Chinese opera, simply fascinating!
Hope everything is well with you and your father is doing great!
I {Luv} the way the shadow showcases the fan...you can hardly see it in her hand.
Great shot!
These are cool & I love that dancing shadow! It's fun stumbling upon fun free performances. Enjoy the rest of your weekend :)
Wonderful shadow of the dancer. Have you read Snow Flower and the Secret Fan?
Graceful fan dancer,
do you follow your shadow
or does it lead you?
House of Shadows
very pretty! thanks for sharing.
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