Swarthmore Taiko
Taiko drumming has been a feature of the College's dance offerings for nearly a decade, thanks largely to the efforts of Associate Professor of Dance Kim Arrow. Here, he discusses how what he calls a "perfect marriage of dance and drumming" has grown at Swarthmore, including the development of a significant relationship between the College and Tamagawa University in Japan.
Arrow, an accomplished dancer and choreographer, is the recipient of two Fulbright Fellowships and a Pew Fellowship in the Arts for choreography, among other awards. He joined Swarthmore's faculty in 1991 and next teaches a taiko repertory class in Spring 2010.
For more Swarthmore Taiko, check out this excerpt from the Spring 2009 Student Dance Concert.
August 25th, 2009 at 7:03 am
Wow! This is the first time I hear about Taiko and I find it beyond impressive. No wonder students sign up in great numbers, it's truly amazing!
August 28th, 2009 at 8:22 am
I have been thinking about Taiko and I believe that a show combining Taiko ensemble and some karate movements (maybe people doing a kata with the same rhythm as the drumming) would be awesome! If that has never been done before then it would be just as Swarthmore, unique.
September 19th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
This is such a good idea! Everyone is so synchronized, it's amazing.
October 11th, 2009 at 8:18 am
Wonderful! I've seen (and briefly played with) Ho Daiko in Seabrook, NJ. This truly is a powerful and amazing art form!!!