TRADITIONAL Scottish country dancers have been swapping moves with Japanese techno performers.
Katie Moore and Eilidh Burgess of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Edinburgh teamed up with five members of the SIRO-A troupe to compare dancing styles.
The Japanese performers have recently won huge praise from the judging panel on America’s Got Talent, which is aired tomorrow night.
They were described by Howie Mandel as “amazing” and Mel B said they were “exactly what we are looking for”.
The multi award-winning SIRO-A show is a compelling fusion of visual effects, mime, dance, comedy, music, puppetry and positive audience participation.
Katie, a support worker and dance teacher from Edinburgh, said: “It was great swapping moves with the SIRO-A dancers.
“The two styles are so incredibly different, and we are really looking forward to seeing their full show.”
Eilidh, an Edinburgh nurse with Forward Vision who cares for young adults with visual impairments, added: “It was lots of fun teaching the SIRO-A dancers some Scottish country dancing – what we do is very structured and everything they do is free-flowing and fluid – it’s very impressive indeed.
“It’s easy to see why they are doing so well on America’s Got Talent.”
After sweeping Japan its first international success was at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2011 when it won a Spirit of the Fringe award. Since then it has gone on to spectacular success across the UK, Europe and the USA.
Aki Okoma of SIRO-A said: “The guys all love to learn new dance moves wherever they go.
“They had heard about Scottish country dancing and we’re really excited to have the chance to try it out with the help of some really talented dancers.
“It’s been a great way to start our visit to Edinburgh. So much has happened since we were last at the Fringe. America’s Got Talent has been mind-blowing and now we are looking forward to a magical month in Scotland.
Described by critics as Japan’s answer to the Blue Man Group, SIRO-A has had 300 performances in London’s West End.
The group was formed in 2002 by classmates from Sendai, in Japan, each with their own finely honed set of skills.
Audiences are treated to a visual feast in which the Siro-performers interact with spectacular video projection, light animation, stunning laser effects and a pulsating techno beat.
The show crosses all boundaries of language and culture, and is a treat for people of any age.
