Saiwai Shimoina Wadaiko Festival




2008 Super Show Performing Artists


2008 Guest - Ragamala Dance and Music Theater
Founded in 1992 by Artistic Director/Choreographer Ranee Ramaswamy, Ragamala Music and Dance Theater is dedicated to preserving the South Indian classical dance form of Bharatanatyam while using it as a springboard for innovative choreography. Ragamala's vibrant classical work and pioneering cross-cultural collaborations demonstrate to diverse audiences the versatility, depth, and contemporary vitality of Bharatanatyam.

Ragamala's choreography draws from the exquisite Pandanallur style of Bharatanatyam.  Their work emphasizes the importance of preserving the classical form while bringing it in to conversation with contemporary themes and diverse influences from around the world.
Ragamala Website

Wadaiko Artist Art Lee and Wadaiko Ensemble TOKARA
Wadaiko Ensemble TOKARA was founded on March 7th, 2004 in Nagano Prefecture, Japan by Art Lee, who brought together various taiko and percussion group members to begin the challenge of intensified training of the mind and body in the strict discipline of the taiko. Since then TOKARA has become a strong force in the world of taiko, both in and out of Japan.

In addition to the intensive process of continually reinventing new pieces and playing styles in an attempt to further develop the group’s originality, the members of TOKARA also continue to research and study traditional wadaiko pieces, and to incorporate arrangements of these pieces into their performances.

Wadaiko Ensemble TOKARA is led by Art Lee, who is renowned for becoming the first person ever to obtain permission from the Japanese Government in order to acquire an Artist Visa to live and work in Japan as a Professional Wadaiko Artist.
Tokara Website