Entertainment, Art, and Expression

There seems to be a distinction, yet there isn't; there seems to be a correct answer, yet there isn't.

Recently, I've been going through rehearsals and meetings, and I spend my days thinking about what expression is, what art is, and what entertainment is.

I don't feel compelled to be swayed by general definitions, but since my co-performers also have various definitions, I am building common ground while confirming them.

Relationship with Entertainment

I'm not interested in entertainment, so I don't intend to lean toward it, but that said, I don't want to create something that makes the audience feel like they've wasted their time.

Some of my co-performers value providing things that the audience knows and can easily understand.

When performing with such people, I look for a compromise, a landing point where I can be honest with my own expression.

What is art?

I believe that artistic activity is the work of creating something better that one idealizes, without prioritizing productivity or efficiency within a capitalist society.

There are people who act cynical and say they aren't doing art, just playing around, but conversely, isn't that exactly what art is?

It's not work, it's play, so I am playing seriously, risking my life.

I often meet people who think art is something noble and grand and that they aren't like that, but I think it's something more human and rich.

Conversely, I sometimes meet people who are proponents of art for art's sake, but isn't it fine as long as they don't impose it on others?

Truly wonderful people don't judge things as good or bad. They don't try to seek perfection by practicing together a lot either.

When I meet such people, I feel that they are people who know the essence of things.

What is expression?

Everyone engages in expression, but there is expression done unconsciously and expression done consciously.

The act itself is expression, and showing the result is also expression. Showing nothing is also expression.

I believe that expression resides in every act of every person, and that artistic activity exists within that.

Even for this, the answers are diverse and there is no single correct answer, so it is best to draw your own lines.

Furthermore, it is okay to waver.

There is not just one version of oneself within, and humans are beings who live by changing from moment to moment.

If you rigidly decide, 'This is who I am!', you will end up tied in knots and likely collapse.

For now, at least

For now, at least, my ideal is an expression that embraces everything as it is.

An expression with the broad-mindedness to accept ugliness, anger, sadness, hatred, and cunning—that is my ideal. That has become the starting point of my artistic activities.

I wonder if, on the surface, it looks like I am performing with various people in various places.

I wonder how my dancing is perceived as well. That, I can never know.

I would be happy if I could create an expression that doesn't resonate even a millimeter with those who aren't interested, rather than just skimming the surface for everyone. That is what I think.

I am not that much of an eccentric, so I hope to continue dancing without trying to be flashy or acting cool.