Under the direction of Kenji Yamaguchi, the Ken Dance Company has brought major stages to the public since 2007. In February 2017, the company will present a three-act stage with more than 10 dancers in Torrance to introduce itself to the Japanese American community.
Supported by Jazz Dance L.A. Foundation and veteran dancer and instructor Takeshi “Hama” Hamagaki as the producer of the event, “Genesis of Yamato” (Yamato Kokoro) will be held on Friday, Feb. 3 at 8:00 pm at James Armstrong Theatre.
“Genesis of Yamato” consists of three acts: Japanese misology “Kojiki,” the Heian-era noble character “Genji,” and Buddhism figure “Asura,” all are inspired by historical stories in Japan and Asia.
Yamaguchi’s choreography depicts lives and deaths of the protagonists in jazz dance, ballet, and hip hop dance expressions.
The Ken Dance Company was formed in 2005 after Yamaguchi studied dance at California Institute of the Arts for four years. The company’s first show and performance “Spirited Astray” was presented in April 2007 at a theater in NoHo Arts District. Glendale Community College hosted “Invisible” in November 2014, and “Hyakki Yako” in November 2015.
“Genesis of Yamato” will be performed on Friday, Feb. 3 at 8:00 pm at James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance, CA 90503. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at doors.
For purchasing tickets, visit www.torranceca.gov/tcactickets or call the box office at (310) 781-7171.
