Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on August 2009

Borrowing from the Japanese term for battle of the bands (tai-ban), dancer/choreographer Kentaro!!—a man never short on superlatives—has put together a triple bill dubbed Tai-Dan!! The hip-hop-influenced hoofer’s own Tokyo Electrock Stairs company will be duking it out with contemporary dance group Kikikikikiki, directed by Mari Kita, and theater ensemble Europe-Kikaku, led by Makoto Ueda. If you’re looking to dip your feet into the waters of Japan’s contemporary performing arts scene, this omnibus event should provide an easily digestible introduction.

Kichijoji Theatre, Aug 22-23. See dance listings for details.