Yuubi: Elegance & Grace of Nihon Buyo
Photo by Toyo Miyatake Studio.
When
Where
Price
$50.00-100.00 (+ $5.00-10.00 fee)
About
Step into a world of timeless beauty with Yuubi: Elegance & Grace of Nihon Buyo, a celebration of Japanese classical dance that bridges tradition, artistry, and emotion. This special performance brings together master artists from Japan and the United States in a rare showcase of Nihon Buyo—a dance form that embodies centuries of Japanese cultural heritage through movement, music, and spirit.
At the heart of Yuubi is Bando Hidesomi, a distinguished dancer and representative of the Bando-ryu School in Los Angeles. Her lifelong dedication to the art of Nihon Buyo continues the legacy of the Bando School, whose artistic lineage traces back to the Kabuki theaters of Edo-period Japan.
Experience the beauty and power of Japanese dance live on stage. Get your tickets now for Yuubi: Elegance & Grace of Nihon Buyo and witness as heritage comes alive through movement that speaks to the heart.
Stage in Progress
Things To Know
About Bando Hidesomi
Born in Torrance, California, Bando Hidesomi began her dance training at age three under Madame Bando Mitsuhiro, later continuing her studies under Madame Bando Hideko, daughter of Grand Master Bando Mitsugoro IX. While studying at Keio University, she trained in Japan for five years under the guidance of Bando Mitsugoro IX, where she earned the title of Shihan (Master’s degree).
Since returning to Los Angeles in 1996, Bando Hidesomi has become a cornerstone of the local Japanese performing arts community. She teaches at the Pasadena and Gardena Japanese Cultural Institutes, as well as at the Mai no Kai studio in Torrance, guiding students from early childhood through their senior years. Her group performs regularly at cultural events across Southern California—including Nisei Week, temple Obon festivals, the Bowers Museum, and the Aratani Theatre—as well as at programs hosted by the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles.
Through performances, lecture demonstrations, and collaborations with taiko and shakuhachi artists, Bando Hidesomi continues to share the depth and grace of Nihon Buyo. Her vision is to express appreciation and respect for all cultures—using dance as a bridge of love, joy, and unity.
About Bando-ryu
The Bando School of Japanese Classical Dance (Bando-ryu) was founded in the early 1800s by Kabuki actor Bando Mitsugoro III, a master of Nihon Buyo. The Bando family were proprietors of the Morita-za, one of the three officially recognized Kabuki theaters of the Edo period. Rooted in this heritage, Bando-ryu developed as a dance style deeply intertwined with Kabuki—expressive, elegant, and theatrical. Today, the school is headquartered in Tokyo, carrying forward more than two centuries of tradition and artistry.
About Nihon Buyo
Nihon Buyo literally means “Japanese dance,” yet it is far more than that simple translation suggests. Emerging from Kabuki performance traditions during the Edo period, Nihon Buyo was once a popular form of entertainment for everyday people. Its stories, gestures, and rhythms reflect daily life and the full range of human emotion—love and longing, joy and sorrow, humor and solitude. Through precise movements and symbolic expression, Nihon Buyo transforms these universal emotions into an art form that continues to captivate audiences across generations.
Accessibility
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To be respectful of those with allergies and environmental sensitivities, we ask that you please refrain from wearing strong fragrances. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact boxoffice@jaccc.org.
Plan Your Visit
JACCC is a 7-minute walk from the L.A. Metro Rail's Little Tokyo/Arts District Station, which connects to both the A and E lines via the Regional Connector.
For additional transportation options and parking details, check out Go Little Tokyo's Guide to the area here.