This piece will be performed by a children's dance company based in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. It is brimming with each individual's uniqueness.

Artist/Company
Tocotoco Dancers [From Hyogo, Japan]
Date
Monday, 23 September, 13:30-(National Holiday)
*There will be a talkback after the performance.
Running Time
40 minutes
Venue
BIRD Theatre [Foyer]
Price
Free (Reservation required)
About the programme開く

First of all, the name 'Tocotoco Dancers' sounds so cute (sound-symbolic words 'tocotoco: walking with tiny steps'). They are a dance group of elementary school children in Toyooka City. They contacted us asking if they could perform at the BIRD Theatre Festival. Since BIRD Theatre Company also runs a theatre project for children called 'School for Small Birds', we really wanted to support them. When we watched their recorded footage, it was so interesting that we asked them to come. When a child concentrates on expression, it feels like the person's core as a human being bubbles up to the surface; these moments are so precious. They will travel from Toyooka City, so please come and see them.

Cast/Staff開く

Choreography, Music, Art Direction, Costumes, and Performance: Tocotoco Dancers

Composition, Direction and Choreography: CHISHIRO Sonoko

Direction and Choreography Assistance: TANIGAKI Yu

Music: MIURA Ichi-go

Art Direction: DEGAWA Shin

Costume Design: ARAI Mio

Stage Manager: YONEZAWA Momona

Producer: HASHIMOTO Maki

Message from the director開く

Tocotoco Dancers is a dance company of elementary school children formed in 2019 in Kinosaki Onsen, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. The company recruits members annually to create and present dances from scratch, interacting with artists active in and outside Japan and local people. Yellow Happiness was produced as a repertoire piece in the fifth year since its formation. It is a piece that sprinkles keywords, individual assertions and thoughts that have emerged from dialogue with children about the society surrounding them. It depicts the children discovering their true selves, stating, 'I am who I am, no matter what anyone says about me.' We hope this work gives each of you a chance to face and think again about children's happiness.

Host/Grant開く

【Co-Host】General Incorporated Association DANSTORK