The Department of Music and Dance and the Japanese Section of Modern Languages at Swarthmore College presents the Tamagawa University Taiko Drum and Dance Group in the Lang Music Building Concert Hall on April 3, 2011 at 7PM.

The renowned Tamagawa Taiko Drum and Dance Group returns to Philadelphia for a week of performances as part of the Greater Philadelphia Cherry Blossom Festival (March 4- April 15) sponsored by the Japan America Society and the Japan Foundation. Heart-pounding drum rhythms intermingle with elegant dances in breath-taking fashion to create unforgettable memories. Experience the relentless energy and stunning visuals as Tamagawa takes you on a journey through ancient and modern Japan.

Taiko drumming has been a feature of the College’s dance and music offerings for nearly a decade, thanks largely to the efforts of Associate Professor of Dance Kim Arrow. This event showcases the 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 teaches a taiko repertory class.

The event is free and open to the public without advance reservations.  For further information, contact Geoffrey Peterson at gpeters1@swarthmore.edu.