Life Care Center of Hilo invites the community to its annual Bon dance at 6 p.m. Friday.
Life Care Center of Hilo invites the community to its annual Bon dance at 6 p.m. Friday.
“We are hoping that many will attend wearing kimonos and happi coats so that the elders will be able to recall happy memories of ‘years gone by,’” said coordinator Chris Ridley.
Honpa Hongwanji, Project Dana and Hilo Bon Dance Club are assisting with this year’s event.
“We believe in the importance of tradition, and what can be more traditional than a Bon dance including our honored residents, their family members, our staff and the community,” said Life Care spokesman Allyson Andrews-Nelson.
The Bon dance is traditionally performed around a tower called a “yagura.” Lanterns adorn the location. Normally, the circle of dancers nearest the yagura are the most experienced. At Life Care’s event, staff and family members help the elders participate in the inner circle.
A short service by a minister is set for 6 p.m. Music will be provided by the Hilo Bon Dance Club. Members of Project Dana will demonstrate the traditional Bon dances from 6:15-7:30 p.m. Refreshments also will be available.
For more details, call Ridley at 959-9151.