We had the good fortune of connecting with Shiho Tendou and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shiho, what role has risk played in your life or career?

I feel that the fact that I am working to perform and teach Japanese dance in a foreign country carries a great risk. Dancing Japanese dance abroad to the audience who is unfamiliar with Japanese culture is a serious responsibility as it can directly reflect the tradition of Japan in the eyes of the audience.
Entertainment will not evolve unless we break through the tradition and do new things usually, but in this case, while we break through we must keep the core of the tradition, the foundation of the dance that has been carried for more than 400 years so as not to misrepresent our traditions. 守破離 ”Shuhari,” three stages of mastery: the fundamentals, breaking with tradition, and creating one’s own techniques is something that I always keep in mind. Therefore, I always feel that the greatest risk involved is when creating a new performance while respecting the tradition. However, without risk, Japanese dance cannot be transmitted overseas to develop. And more Japanese fans will know the prototype, the core of Japanese culture which has recently been reviewed more from animation, music, and fashion culture. I feel that risk is also an opportunity to receive. I think that a goal for the future will be to keep newer concepts in line with the modern times so as not to give false knowledge of Japan to the audience who are watching overseas.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I am currently active in Los Angeles as a Japanese dancer. I started learning Japanese dance at the age of three, and while all my other my friends were enjoying ballet or hiphop dancing, I was set on a different path without being given the choice to pursue any alternatives. At that time, the higher-energy techniques of Jazz dance and hiphop attracted my heart and I fought with an inner conflict between the modern and traditional arts as a high school student. It was almost like I was living two different performer personalities; one as a regular modern student, and one as a traditional dancer. But now I believe that the traditional arts fit me best, as they are in line with the nature of my heart.
Currently, besides dancing at events and stages, I also teach artists, students, and children who are interested in Japanese culture. In particular, Japanese Noh and Kabuki are often studied in the United States by those who study acting, but Japanese dance is the same, and I think there are many methods that are useful in acting. Think of Japanese dance as more than just a dance, but a musical with dramatic elements without singing. When teaching a child, the focus is not to make them them dance well, but to foster the dignity of a person. Compared to other dances, Japanese dance has many slow movements and you may find it less exciting. However, it is because of that slow movement that the hero’s heart is revealed. If anything, in my performances, I would like my audience to see the movement of the heart hidden in the performance, rather than seeing only the movements of the dance.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take them to the coast. That’s one of the best parts of Southern California. Just hanging out with the people you love in those beautiful areas is the perfect getaway idea for me. Seeing the natural beauty of the coastline always inspires me as an artist. Another place I love to visit is the SHOSEIAN TEAHOUSE in Glendale. It’s in Brand Park in Glendale and features a teahouse surrounded by a beautiful Japanese garden. They often hold a variety of Japanese-culture themed events that you can enjoy. And while in Brand park, there is a hiking course that has a beautiful city view. I love going there with my daughter and friends, so if I had to plan a week long trip, these places would definitely be on the list.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This is very difficult to answer, because I have so many people that I want to thank. However, I would like to give credit to my grandmother, Miki Tendou, and my mother, Mikiou Tendou. I grew up with the tradition of Japanese dance in my family. My grandmother is the founder of the Tendou ryu Dance group, so Japanese dance has been always in my life ever since I was 3 years old. I truly respect my grandmother and mother as mentors, for not only raising me as the San Daime Iemoto in Tendou ryu Nihonbuyo, but for also being a good mother and grandmother as well; even though I’m sure it must have been difficult for them. Becoming a mother with my own daughter has shown me how difficult mentoring a child can be. Therefore with much appreciation and respect, I admire my grandmother and my mother more than ever before.

Website: https://www.shihotendou.com

Instagram: @shihotendou

Image Credits
Tim Siegert : siegertphoto.com

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