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Twilight at the
Jikoen Temple Bon Dance
 Humid
summer nights, the
sun setting over the yagura (tower), the delectable
aromas of teriyaki BBQ sticks wafting in the air, and the sound of
Taiko drums that makes you want to tap your foot and clap your
hands to its lively beat. It's the sights and sounds of Bon Dance
season in Hawaii.
Although
I've been heavily involved in Okinawan culture most of my life, I
only started attending bon dances in the past few years. During
that time, I've learned a thing or two about bon dances. Allow me
to impart some suggestions to you to make your next (or first?)
bon dancing experience a good one.
::
Bon Dance Tips,
courtesy of Champuru.com
1.
Bring a hapi coat or
kimono.
It's more fun when you dress the part. While usually not required,
some temples actually "strongly recommend" it.
2.
Arrive early.
Bon Dances are generally crowded as they have gained popularity in
recent years, so if you don't want to park a mile away, you should
make plans to be early.
3.
Bring your appetite. Concession
stands selling local favorites such as fried noodles, cone sushi,
teriyaki BBQ sticks, shave ice, andagi, mochi and plate
lunches usually open up to an hour before the Bon Dance actually
starts. You can buy your dinner, eat in leisure as you watch the
sunset and wait for the festivities to begin.
4.
Travel light.
Bring twenty bucks and stuff it in your pocket to buy tasty
goodies at the concessions. You don't want to worry about a purse
while you're in the circle dancing the night away!
5.
Observe the inner circle.
The people in the middle of the circle, closest to the Yagura,
are generally the bon dance leaders who actually know what they're
doing. Follow their motions and you'll be just fine.
6.
Looking for a souvenir?
Donate a buck or two and get a bon dance towel to commemorate
the evening. (Each temple has bon dance towels printed with the
name of the church on them.) Many Bon Dances also feature craft
fairs that serve as fundraisers for the temple.
7.
Dance the Fukushima.
Literally a 20-minute song with 5 basic motions, but basically
freestyle. You can embellish it as much (or as little) as you
want, but just remember to clap with the rest of the group and
you'll look like a pro!
8.
Bring some friends. Bon
dancing is more fun with your friends who you can cut loose
with. Bring your craziest, most outgoing friends and you're
sure to have a blast!
9.
Have fun! Cut
loose and have some fun. Don't worry about how you look as you're
trying to learn the dances, no one cares -- they're more concerned
about what you're thinking of them!
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