Last summer we went to the Denver Obon and did some dancing. We had a lot of fun, but this year Mom wanted us to get dressed up and do the dancing in California. It was also the first Obon service for Pony. Allie did our make-up, Jane and Grandma dressed us in our kimono’s, and off we went.
First we had to take the picture people take every time in the front of the house. It takes a few tries to get all 3 of us smiling, eyes open, and looking in the same place.
Pals!
Then we were off to church for the “dance party”. For as long as any one can remember our family has always sat in the same corner at obon. Here it is!
Here are the lanterns to light up the area after dark, and the taiko drums that were played.
We got there early and had to wait for it to start. Robin took most of the pictures the rest of the night.
Then the taiko drummers started to play.
And the singers sang some songs. While they were singing, Autumn was doing her own interpretive dance moves.
And then Ry Guy did his interpretation of Little Bunny Foo-Foo bopping her on the head!
Finally, the dancing began. First the teachers came out with lots of dancers following them. The teachers dance on the stage so everyone can see them.
Now we got to watch and dance too! Sometimes we used our hands, the fans, and clickers called kachi-kachi.
Even uncle Jeffrey danced!
After awhile Autumn got tired and took a break. She sat with mom and entertained herself.
Mom did some dancing with Autumn’s arms and cousin Shana did some dancing with her doggie’s arms.
Here was a dance that used a towel.
We took a quick picture with Mom between dances.
The last 2 dances of the night are always the same. The first is uncle Jeffrey’s favorite, it’s the coal miners song. Even Grandma, Grandpa, Diane, Auntie Cait, Shana, and her dog danced!
This was the last dance of the night. Autumn even joined us for this one.
After all that dancing we got to have the traditional hot dog snack and visit with people.
