May 12
24
I’ve recently run across a certain type of performer in Japan, the mime/hip hop dance artist. The first individual I saw who practiced this was Takahiro Ueno, and at first I just thought he was a hip hop dancer with a derivative style but as the act progressed, he brought new elements that made the performance memorable. I’m certainly no expert when it comes to Japanese dance so it might have been around before him but he’s the first one I encountered. OK, I’m rambling. Here’s what I’m talking about…
Here’s Takahiro performing at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem, NYC back in 2006. The audience was certainly appreciative!
In the same vein, I was introduced to another performer named Kenichi Ebina, who even fits in a Michael Jackson impersonation during this routine. The combination of stylistic influences is really something different from the norm.
Does anyone else have examples of other artists with the same style? I’m no expert when it comes to Japanese dance genres, I just wanted to share these two performers with everyone.
