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[ Afterword]


The spotlight comes on, the music begins, the dancers move onto the stage. There is a special stand just for the camera, out of reach of the audience. The tension is so thick you could drink it. The stage is set for a duel between the Kagura group and the cameraman. Each dance has its own special appeal. No matter which shot one takes, it is sure to be picture-postcard perfect. The dancers, full of confidence and pride, whirl about, as if to say "So how was that?!" When the camera stops rolling, everyone gathers around, congratulates each other on a job well done, and offers each other a drink. "What'd you think? Did we make any mistakes?" No matter what time the performance ends, there is always time to talk over a few drinks. Of course, even the truly talented Kagura groups ask opinions and advice from the groups they have just met that day in hopes of improving their performance, even if only on one or two points.
Over and over one hears during practice, "Do that again," "Once more and then we'll quit."

Thank you to all who gave their guidance and cooperation in the making of this book.

NPO Hiroshima kagura Art Laboratory