WOMAD

London Bon Dancers

From Japan, United Kingdom

The graceful art of Japanese Bon dancing

Charlton Park's stages often reflect the cultural riches brought to our doorstep by the many nationalities resident here in Blighty and the London Bon Dancers, drawn from the capital's sizeable ex-pat Japanese population, uphold this tradition. Originally a Buddhist holiday in Japan to contemplate and salute the passing of close friends and relatives, Bon has evolved into a time for family reunions come August, often enhanced by this particular style of graceful, open-air dancing. Accompanied by their own musicians (think soaring flutes and delicate drums), the London Bon Dancers are excellent practitioners of the art. And even if they request audience participation, don't be alarmed - it's a dance style that doesn't require excessive physical exertion. Its modest moves are, after all, the product of steamy, high-summer Japanese evenings.

(Biography written by Nige Tassell 2010, photograph by M. Khan)

London Bon Dancers