About Bando Hidesomi
Bando Hidesomi was born in Torrance, CA and started her training under Madame Bando Mitsuhiro, at the age of 3. At the age of 12, she started additional training under Madame Bando Hideko, daughter of Grand Master Bando Mitsugoro IX (9th).
She trained in Japan for 5 years under the care of Bando Mitsugoro IX, while attending Keio University. During her 5 years in Japan, she received the title of Shihan (Master’s degree). She also participated in the Bando School’s Charity Recital in Tokyo and Bando-Kai’s 75th Anniversary Recital, at the National Theater of Japan. Presently, Bandō Hidesomi is one of the Representatives for the Bandō Ryu in Los Angeles.
Upon returning to the United States in 1996, she started to build her career as a professional dancer and dedicated herself to the upbringing of her students in the Los Angeles area. She is presently teaching at the Pasadena JCI, Gardena JCI and the Mai no Kai studio in Torrance, consisting of students ranging from the age of 3 up to students in their 80’s. She has also been a part of the after school program at El Marino Elementary School for over 20 years, which now is continued by her student.
Bando Hidesomi and her students have performed at many different venues throughout the years. They participate annually in the Nisei Week Festival, Monterey Park Cherry Blossom Festival, Torrance Bunka-sai, Gardena JCI carnivals, Zenshuji and Sozenji Temple obon. Some of their other performances have been at the Bowers Museum, Cultural events at Mt. San Antonio College, Southcoast Botanic Garden, Huntington Beach Cherry Blossom Festival, Summer Festival at Rancho Los Alamitos, Iris Festival at the Arboretum, Awaya-Kai Koto Concerts, The Warner Grand Theater, the Arizona Matsuri Festival. They also share their passion by visiting the nursing homes in the greater Los Angeles area, which brings much joy into their hearts.
In 2006, Bando Hidesomi had her recital at the Aratani Theater and participated in the Los Angeles Bando-ryu Charity Recital also held at the Aratani Theater. In recent years, she was also a guest performer for the Makoto Taiko Concert, collaborating with taiko and shakuhachi, which has encouraged her to choreograph more contemporary music. Bando Hidesomi has led and choreographed for the Nisei Week Parade and is the choreographer for the Nihon Buyo section of Nisei Week Coronation Ball from 2015 to present.
Apart from performing, she has shared her passion by having lecture demonstration and workshops at JACCC, Nibei Foundation, ESGVJCC, UC Santa Barbara, Chapman University, Loyola Marymount University, El Camino College, Santa Monica College and other local cultural and educational facilities, elementary and middle schools. In recent years, she has had the privilege of sharing her passion with lecture demonstration and events through the Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles.
Through Nihon Buyo, Bando Hidesomi wishes to express her feelings of appreciation and respect for all cultures, and hopes her passion for Nihon Buyo will bring love, joy, peace and hope to everyone, creating a bridge of unity between all cultures.
