Learn Steps to Traditional Bon Dances

Tsukikage Bon Odorikai. Hahuhu Photography.

Tsukikage Bon Odorikai (Moonlight Dance Club) will teach steps to traditional bon dances during its Sunday, May 28, Obon in the Gardens.

The event is sponsored by Friends of Lili‘uokalani Gardens from 1 to 4 p.m. in the small parking lot near Shoroan, the Urasenke tea house in Lili‘uokalnai Gardens.

Organized in 2002, the club’s mission is to provide dance classes for the purpose of exercise and familiarize people with the various dances in preparation for the bon dance season. Home base is Hilo Meishoin Mission, but members of Odorikai represent the various Buddhist temples in East Hawai‘i as well as those who just love to dance.

Practices are open to the public. Drop-ins are welcome.

“We provide assistance to the various temples by providing dance practices, music, and dance leadership during Bon season,” said Jane Heit. “We also volunteer at various functions and currently host Tanabata Time at the Hawaii Japanese Center in early July.”

“We call ourselves “Odori Aho,” which means Dancing Fool,” Heit said. “Members participate not only in bon dancing, but also line and ballroom dancing.”

The public can participate in additional bon dance practices with Tsukikage Bon Odorikai every Wednesday in June at 7 p.m. at Puna Hongwanji Mission in Kea‘au.

Practice at Hilo Meishoin is Monday, July 3, and Wednesday, July 5, at 7 p.m.