Hiroichi Tatekata's Danceable LIFE Vol.1

I found my place in the world through dance.
Hirokazu Tatekata (Dancer/Choreographer)

In today's world, where so many things are becoming digitized, what is the joy of going to the theater? I think it's the "live experience."
The dynamism you experience can only be felt by being there on that day, at that time, and in that place. It's something that vanishes in an instant. You can capture it on video, but it's difficult to convey the "atmosphere" of that moment.

When it comes to dancing, it's a world where you express yourself using your body to the fullest, so as you get older, it becomes more difficult to continue dancing in the same style. But that's just how it is. That's precisely why I want people to feel each fleeting, ephemeral moment with their eyes, ears, skin, and even their pores, and I believe that's what will remain in the hearts of those who watch.
My reason for starting to dance wasn't because I wanted to "express something" or "stand on stage." I was introverted as a child, and I entered university to study acting out of a longing to express myself, but I was constantly being scolded by my teachers. I couldn't even do basic lines or acting well, and I had completely lost my confidence. Then, a senior student half-forcibly took me to a jazz dance studio, and that was a truly eye-opening experience.
Perhaps it was because dance was a "world without words." I wasn't good at delivering lines, but I found it incredibly enjoyable to express myself through dance, and for the first time, I felt like I had found my own sense of self-worth. Yes, I had found "my place."

By the time I graduated from university, I was determined to make dancing my career, but around the age of 25, I hit a wall like everyone else. I realized that simply dancing because I loved it wasn't enough. So I went to New York, but there I experienced an even bigger setback. The level was just too different. I took lessons diligently, worked many times harder than others, and improved little by little... but I couldn't possibly catch up. I'm naturally inflexible, and I started dancing late. Moreover, since I'm Japanese, my bone structure is different, so I felt there were limits to what I could achieve by pursuing Western dance.

What would it take for someone like me to stand shoulder to shoulder with them on stage?

And what really captivated me was the world of "Wa" (Japanese culture), including Noh, Kabuki, and Butoh dance.

Just as there's a ballet term "en dehors" (outward), the Western world evokes an image of expansion. In contrast, the Japanese world evokes an image of stripping away and condensing. It was a world that resonated deeply with me and was very compelling.
Since then, I've been exploring a stoic style of expression that blends stillness and movement, through my own independent performances and other formats. Of course, the world of entertainment that includes singing, dancing, and acting, like THE CONVOY, is also my origin, so I want to continue pursuing that in the future.

If the opportunity arises, I would love to see you at the theater next time!