Hula Girl Kizuna School 2024 - Tokiwa Music and Dance Academy 60th Anniversary

Joban Music and Dance Academy 60th Anniversary Project "Hula Girl Kizuna School 2024"

Joban Music and Dance Academy was established as a specialized school to train Spa Resort Hawaiians' hula girls (official name: Spa Resort Hawaiians Dancing Team) prior to the opening of the Joban Hawaiian Center, the predecessor of Spa Resort Hawaiians.It opened in April 1965 as Japan's first school specializing in hula dance and Polynesian folk dance.(A miscellaneous school approved by the Fukushima Prefectural Governor in December 1968).

For the past 59 yearsProduced 423 hula girlsThe spirit of the first generation of Hula Girls, who rose up to save the coal mines and their families, is still firmly passed down to the present day.

On March 11, 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred. Spa Resort Hawaiians was forced to close, and the hula girls lost their place to dance. However, in order to help rebuild their hometown of Iwaki City and Fukushima Prefecture, which were suffering from the negative rumors caused by the nuclear accident, and to show that they were in good spirits,"Hula Girls Nationwide Kizuna Caravan" launchedBetween May and October, they performed 247 times in 125 locations, including 26 prefectures across Japan and Seoul, South Korea.It has inspired and inspired many people.

In addition, when the facility was forced to close due to the spread of COVID-19,"What can we do now?"The Hula Girls took the lead in thinking about this, and used social media to send out hula videos and message relays.We brought smiles and cheer to you.

2024 years,Joban Music and Dance Academy 60th AnniversaryNew activities in this special year"Hula Girl Kizuna School 2024"This will begin this spring, and we will spend the next year moving forward together with Fukushima Prefecture.

Two lines that draw a graceful arc and a gracefully dancing hula girl.It represents the journey of the school from its founding 60 years ago to the present and on to the future.The hula girls, gazing into the distance and dancing gracefully, represent the group's current appearance as they celebrate their 60th anniversary. The gold color represents their glorious history and bright future, while the red color represents their passionate determination and support from the audience. The 60th anniversary logo symbolizes their firm determination and dignified attitude as they continue to move forward through dance.

We visited one elementary school in each of the 59 municipalities in Fukushima Prefecture, and provided instruction to children from a generation that did not experience the Great East Japan Earthquake, mainly third and fourth graders.With the theme of "the power to survive," we will convey the attitude of living a strong life towards the future.

The content is about the Hula Girls' own experiences with the Great East Japan Earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic.The importance of never giving up and friendsWe will have a dialogue with the children to discuss these issues and think about them together. By conveying the importance of "the strength to live resiliently" even in the event of an earthquake or natural disaster,Delivering hope and strength to the children of Fukushima Prefecture who will be the future of the prefectureAfter visiting all 59 elementary schools, the 60th lesson will be held at Spa Resort Hawaiians, marking the end of "Hula Girl Kizuna School 2024."