‘Essa Hoi Odori Contest’ was held on 17-18 September in Odawara Castle Park. Teams from around the Kanagawa prefecture came to Odawara to compete for a prize in the big dance contest. Viewers were watching two-days competition, which were taking place on the four various stages in te same time.

All the groups presented the same type on dance called `yosakoi’. Actually, ‘essa hoi odori’ is one of the styles of ‘yosakoi’. Generally speaking, `yosakoi` is defined as a dance of legs, but in fact it has no specific form. First time I watched this type of dance in Poland and I really enjoyed it! That’s why I was very excited about watching contest in Odawara.

Every team showed only one performance on every stage. After short show, team quickly had got off the stage and the next team started the next show. Because of the quickly passing shows, viewers couldn’t get bored and had been watching performances for some houres. Every team had been dancing according to the freely chosen theme.
Dancers tried to attract the attention of audience by using various accessories, like clappers, fans, heats and umbrellas. Some dancers had been changing image in the middle of a show, by quick taking off outer garment. Viewers were really astonished by this trick! However, what make ‘yosakoi’ really impressive type of dance are definietly beautiful, colorful and adorable costumes.

In my opinion, the most admirable were the biggest teams. In spite of big number of members, they could perfectly synchronize motions and gestures, what is really difficult. However, the best one was team called ‘Sanmarudaisakasu from B. exciting’ comprised of young girls. Although young age, theese girls danced such a complicated choreography without any mistakes!

Summary

If you haven’t ever seen the ‘yosakoi’ dance, you should definietly come to see ‘Essa Hoi Odori Contest’. It’s a great chance to see great dance teams for free. This year, the grand prize winner is team called ‘Ren’. Who will be winner of the next year contest? Let’s come and find out yourself!

Weronika Golubska

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* This article was written by a trainee from overseas. Please note that there might be spelling and grammar mistakes.