(no subject)

[kyanited]

The Hankyu-Toho Group describing Takarazuka:

Founded in 1914 by Mr. Kobayashi, Takarazuka (it means "treasure mound") is an extremely popular type of Japanese theatre comprised of all-female performers who play both the male and female roles in musicals and revues. Mr. Kobayashi wanted to create actresses "more suave, more affectionate, more courageous, more charming, more handsome, and more fascinating than a real man." The result is a cultural fixture equivalent in popularity to the American soap opera. The Takarazuka Revue is perhaps Japan’s premier musical theatre company, drawing an annual attendance of 2.5 million people. It’s challenging three-year training program (The Takarazuka Music School) is a hybrid of the Julliard and a military academy. Roughly 400 15 to 18-year-old students endure grueling course loads in ballet, modern dance, choral singing, traditional Japanese music, and the art of the tea ceremony.

Comments

[faux-semblant.livejournal.com]

it' s maybe silly but often I would like that it is a different man who created Takarazuka .... a not rich, no famous, not clever ....only sensitive man ..i don t know ... but at least not a businessman ^^::::

[kyanited.livejournal.com]

But why? Because he was a business man, Takarazuka is successful and still alive. :)

[shetan83.livejournal.com]

Wow. Just wow.

[onion-mob.livejournal.com]

Haha, I actually looked up the kanji for Takarazuka once. I think "treasure mound" is so amusing for some reason. I'm just imagining a big heap of siennes and sparkles. XD

So is the music school two years or three years?! I keep hearing different stories.

[kyanited.livejournal.com]

LOL, well, it does come down to being a heap of 'siennes and sparkles. A bit more organized than your usual heap, because it makes dancing easier, but essentially, yes. :D

TMS is only two years. I think in the 40s/50s was a time when it was only one year, but I'm fairly sure since then it's been always two years.

[just-keep-on.livejournal.com]

1. "treasure mound" I second onion_mob's imagery XDD
2. "more suave ... and more fascinating than a real man." Only a woman can do this, of course XDD
3. hybrid of the Julliard and a military academy That actually kinda explains it, doesn't it?

[kyanited.livejournal.com]

2. "more suave ... and more fascinating than a real man." Only a woman can do this, of course XDD

Of course, there are not many options left. :P And I think it's only fair since quite a few men are better women than real women. ;)

[sumirepanther.livejournal.com]

TMS is obviously 2 year program. Yoka (1st year ) and Honka (2nd year).

grueling course loads in ballet, modern dance, choral singing, traditional Japanese music, and the art of the tea ceremony.
Hehe, and early morning cleaning!

[stone-depot.livejournal.com]

Hey, new friend for you.

*Points to icon.

Full pic at my place.

[kyanited.livejournal.com]

XD So cuute!!