Yosakoi has enjoyed another successful semester of genki fun! After traveling to Japan over the summer, the fall semester started out with a blast. As classes at KState began, Yosakoi was already receiving emails and calls about performing for various events. Practices started as soon as classes got underway, and the team worked really hard to get back in shape and also train the new members that had recently discovered Yosakoi dancing. The first major performance was as the Greater Kansas City Japan Festival, held at Johnson County Community College in Kansas City, KS. Yosakoi was one of many performers at the event and were very well-received at the festival. There was even a performance of Denver Taiko to enjoy as a part of this festival.

After the success of the KC Japan Festival, the team continued its hard work in practice to learn more dances and prepare for Oztoberfest in Wamego, KS. Oztoberfest was a celebration of culture to which the Yosakoi dancers were invited. As a part of the event, the dancers were also permitted entrance to the Oz museum. Not only did the performers get the opportunity to teach others about their culture, but they also picked up a bit of Kansas culture on the way!

The Yosakoi Japanese dance team has enjoyed many successful performances this semester, including some fun parties. A great Halloween party was held at the Union for the Yosakoi dancers; what a great chance to hang out! There was also a terrific Winter party for one last chance to hang out socially before winter break. The dancers are very excited for the events coming up in the spring, and also in planning for the second trip to Japan this summer!!

Congratulations again to all Yosakoi members on helping us to a first place finish among student organizations for Homecoming 2007! The official results for each event are as follows:

Labels: homecoming activities, homecoming performances

Holly Campbell
hlc@ksu.edu

KSU YOSAKOI ENTERTAINS CHILDREN & PARENTS AT SUNSET ZOO

Yosakoi danced for families at Manhattan's Sunset Zoo on Sunday, October 28, 2007. The performance was part of the zoo's Halloween event, Sunset Zoo SPOOKtacular.

Eight members performed three high-energy dances: "The Yosakoi Soran," "Yocchore," and "Nengara-nenjyu." Club Director Seiji Ikeda explained the origin and meaning behind yosakoi dancing and quizzed the children in the audience about some aspects of Japan.

The group also gave viewers a quick lesson over "Nengara-nenjyu," allowing the crowd to dance along on the final song!

The KSU Japanese Yosakoi Dance Club does many performances in the Manhattan community every semester. If you're interested in having Yosakoi dance for an event, please contact our Director, Seiji Ikeda (seiji306@hotmail.com) or our President, Cami Riblett (criblett@ksu.edu).

Holly Campbell
hlc@ksu.edu

KSU YOSAKOI PERFORMS AT WICHITA ASIAN FESTIVAL

KSU Yosakoi performed as a main attraction at the Wichita Asian Festival on Saturday, October 27, 2007.

Eighteen dancers made the journey to Century II in Wichita, Kan. The group performed two songs, "Soul of Toppu" and "Samurai," to a packed crowd. Several team members also joined in a group Okinawa-style dance performance later in the evening.

Many thanks go out to the organizers of the festival and the crowd members, who received the group so enthusiastically!

If you're interested in having the K-State Japanese Yosakoi Dance Club perform at an upcoming event, please contact our Director, Seiji Ikeda (seiji306@hotmail.com) or our President, Cami Riblett (criblett@ksu.edu).

The first ever KSU Yosakoi Photobook is now on sale!

7x7 inches - 38 pages - with over 80 photos from Spring 2007 performances and the Japan trip!

$19.99 per book (about a third of the money goes to the team towards our 2008 Japan trip!)

If you want one (or more!), email me (cde4433@ksu.edu) before Friday, November 16th.

Help support KSU Yosakoi and buy a photobook!

Caroline Delandre - KSU Yosakoi Historian

Labels: photobook

Please let Yui know if you are coming (especially if you are bringing a friend). We want to make sure we get enough food!

Also, there will be a "Talent Show"! So, let her know if you want to perform! :-)

See you all there!

Labels: social

Yosakoi is gearing up for a full weekend of activities!!! This afternoon/evening is the Homecoming parade, and we will be participating with a mile and a half of dancing!! It will be challenging, but so much fun :D We have been competing with other student organizations throughout the entire week through various Homecoming activities, and this is our last event. We will be performing Nengara-Nenjyu, Yochore and the Yosakoi Soran- all high energy genki dances! We also have a small float planned, come on out and cheer us on!

Saturday will be an exciting day as well. Yosakoi has been invited as a guest performer for the Wichita Asian Festival. The festival is composed of many Asian food vendors, and there will be various stage performances, including a performance by your very own K-State Yosakoi team!! We will be performing Samurai and Soul of Toppu, two impressive performance pieces. If you're in the Wichita area, come to Century II and enjoy tasty Asian food and talented dancing!

Our last activity of the weekend will be at Sunset Zoo, where we will be performing for a group of kids. It will be a terrific time!

Wasshoi!! Good luck this weekend Yosakoi!!

-Michelle Mazur
Publicity Chair
Co-Captain

Labels: homecoming performances

Hey guys, I am happy to announce that we received second place in the "Pant the Chant" competition! First place was awarded to BSU.

A big thanks goes out to all those people that were able to come and perform, along with our helpers to get costumes together. Thank you all!!

See you guys at practice tomorrow!!! It'll be our last full-length practice before the Homecoming parade and Wichita Asian Festival, so please come if you can.

Wasshoi! Wasshoi! Wasshoi!!!!

-Michelle Mazur
Publicity Chair
Co-Captain

Labels: homecoming activities

This is our Yosakoi Blog! Raised from the "dead", we hope to put both casual postings and official ones as well! :-)

So, be sure to check back once-in-awhile to know what we are up to!

1) Practice on Friday is in Union 212 at 7pm.  Please come!  it is the last practice of Yosakoi!!!!

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2) They want us in Forum Hall for "World Dance Day" at 12:30pm.  So, let's rehearse before then.  Please meet in the Union Courtyard at 11:30am.  If you can't find us, call my cellphone (785-317-2550).

Shunkashuto is first and then Soul of Toppu after intermission.   Again 2pm start and 4:30 finish.  So, this should give you an idea.

Again, EVERYBODY is dancing (who knows the dance)!!!!!  If you are not dancing, please let me know.  Thanks!

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3) Awards Banquet: Any friends, family, & alumni may join us.  The only rule is that they must also bring a dish/drink for the potluck.  5pm at the ISC.

Remember to wear your Yosakoi uniform!!  We will be taking pictures at the end. (^_^)

Rough order of the program is:

- Opening Ceremony
- Eating
- Game Show (yes, there will be a game show)
- Videos
- Awards
- Pictures
- Closing Ceremony