NATC 2025 Phoenix

This workshop invites participants to engage in creative play with texture while exploring different storytelling approaches within Naname choreography. Through a series of innovative movement exercises, attendees will experiment with various qualities of movement to enhance their expressive capabilities, discovering how texture can inform and enrich their storytelling on the taiko.

Participants will begin by learning a set of original Naname choreography, focusing on body mechanics and fluidity. Emphasizing the connection between movement and narrative, the workshop will include a creative exercise inspired by Thomas Locker's poem "Cloud Dance," where participants will collaborate in small groups to create their own arrangements. By exploring the interplay of texture and movement, attendees will unlock new avenues for dynamic expression and storytelling within Naname choreography. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to expand movement vocabulary while deepening the connection between choreography and narrative.

Prerequisite/What to bring: Some experience playing in the Naname style is recommended, but the workshop is open to anyone interested in diversifying their Naname playing with a more dynamic approach. Participants are encouraged to bring lighter bachi, such as maple or magnolia bachi, to facilitate fluid movement.