Bringing smiles to everyone through entertainment - Mama Rhythm Papa Rhythm -

"Mama Rhythm Papa Rhythm" was started by mothers who met through a meeting of former kindergarten teachers, Shiki Theatre Company members, and theme park dancers. Their activities stemmed from a kind and loving desire to create an environment where mothers can feel safe going out and to provide a place where they can make friends with other mothers. This time, we interviewed these mothers.

Ms. Takiguchi and Ms. Mori, who studied expressive arts education in the same department at the same university, reunited after becoming mothers and started "Mama Rhythm Papa Rhythm" with the aim of cheering up moms and dads through entertainment.

"When my child started walking, I realized there weren't many places I could take them to play, so I started this project to create a place where any family could participate together. Through entertainment at our events, I hope to bring smiles to everyone's faces and spread a circle of happiness," (Takiguchi continues).

What started as an activity for mothers in Aoba Ward has now expanded to three locations within the ward. The activities have also broadened beyond just mothers to include intergenerational exchange. The group, which initially consisted of just two members, Ms. Takiguchi and Ms. Mori, has grown to four main instructors, with the addition of Ms. Takada, a former theme park dancer, and Ms. Murakami, a former member of the Shiki Theatre Company.

Furthermore, their activities have now expanded beyond the prefecture. In May 2022, one of the founders, Ms. Mori, established the Chiba branch and started classes for postpartum mothers.

Many members are now participating in the activities.

"We've seen an increase in members through personal connections, such as former colleagues who became mothers and joined our activities, or local childcare support staff who participated when their children were younger becoming staff members."

Currently, our activities are supported by individuals with a wide range of titles, including video production creators, web designers, community coordinators, and welfare commissioners. You can view the profiles of our talented staff members on our website. Because our programs utilize the strengths of each member, the content is diverse, and each one is designed to bring smiles to the faces of mothers and fathers raising children.

The multi-generational exchange classes held in Fujigaoka are enjoyed by people of all ages.

Mama Rhythm Papa Rhythm, which started its activities in 2017, was asked about their most memorable event, and everyone unanimously said, "The Yoga & Dance Festival held in March 2023." This event brought together dance instructors from Mama Rhythm Yokohama and Chiba for a large in-person event, the first in three years. It was a multi-generational musical, and apparently 120 people, including staff, participated.

"With the rise of nuclear families and the decrease in opportunities for social interaction due to the pandemic, we value interaction that transcends age boundaries. Moms who participated said they realized that intergenerational interaction is possible in this way, and seniors said they felt energized. It was also good that we could see the participants' expressions because it was in person."

The joyful expressions in the photos and videos were also impressive. The sign language dance, in which everyone participated, is a must-see! You can see footage of the day on YouTube.

Many children participated in the Yoga & Dance Festival in March 2023.

Interested in participating? A workshop for children aged 0 to elementary school age will be held in September.

For those interested in "Mama Rhythm Papa Rhythm," we currently hold regular classes in three locations within Kanagawa Prefecture: Fujigaoka, Azamino, and Tamaplaza. Basically, anyone can participate, and we also have Saturday dance classes that are convenient for working people.

Saturday Dance lessons are held on Saturdays.

When asked what she keeps in mind in her classes, she replied, "I value building connections. I want to provide a place where mothers can make friends." She makes sure to include content that will serve as a starting point for communication and interaction among the mothers. It's reassuring to know that there is a place where mothers raising children can connect with each other.

Baby classes held on weekdays

"Every year, we hold seasonal events such as Halloween in October and Christmas in December. We post them on Instagram, so we'd be happy if you could take a look. We also accept bookings for traveling classes, touring performances, and workshops. If you're interested, please contact us," says Takiguchi with a smile.

Moms and dads interacting in the class

Popular events often sell out very quickly. Whether you're a mom or dad currently raising children, or even if your children are grown up, why not take part in a "Mama Rhythm Papa Rhythm" event as a way to connect with people in your community?

Information Mama Rhythm Papa Rhythm

《Introduction to Regular Classes》
Fujigaoka Class
"Baby Exercises for 0-Year-Olds"
"Parent-child exercises and yoga starting from crawling"
Venue: Moegino Community Care Plaza (Parking available, approximately 6 minutes on foot from Fujigaoka Station)
Azamino Class
"Mommy Yoga & Rhythmic Dance"
Venue: Art Forum Azamino (Parking requires reservation, 5-minute walk from Azamino Station)
Tamaplaza Class
"Baby & Mom Yoga & Rhythm"
"Saturday Dance"
Venue: Tamaplaza Community Care Plaza (1 minute walk from Tamaplaza Station South Exit)
*The event dates change every month. Please check our Instagram or website for the latest information.

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/mama.rhythm/
《Website》
https://mamarhythmpaparhythm.wordpress.com/
YouTube
●Scenes from the event held in March 2023
https://youtu.be/fHHp_4D8aLI
●Let's dance together (sign language dance)
https://youtu.be/Fpa6DwUbNUE
Contact Information
mamarhythm2017@gmail.com