Rhythmic Drummers Combine Swing Dancing And Music In Their Performance - Inspirational Videos

We’ve all seen the amazing videos of groups of talented rhythmic drummers playing large Japanese drums. This style of musical performance is called “Taiko” drumming but there are many different ways that it is being produced. One such way is this video which combined taiko drumming with swing dancing!

This absolutely stunning performance was given by the San Jose Taiko group at the Swingposium: Big Band Music and Dance From Camp event. In collaboration with Epic Immersive and Wesley Jazz Ensemble, the Taiko group offered this unique blend of Taiko rhythmic drumming and 1940s dancing. The Swingposium was created as a tribute to the Japanese Americans during WWII who found themselves interned during the war. In those camps, the pastimes included both drumming and dancing as a way to keep mentally and physically fit.

Performing to “Sing,Sing,Sing” a tune made popular by Benny Goodman in 1937. The tune is almost synonymous with the WW2 dance era. As the piece opens, there is a famous “call to dance” by the drums. In San Jose Taiko’s version, those drums are quickly joined by none other than the large Japanese taiko players. Dressed in period-styled clothing these men and women share their love for the music through this syncopated dance-drumming routine. The crowd is so wowed many are forgetting to clap along! With every “rock step” dance move, the drummers perfectly keep time to the melody being played by a backup band. It’s a great mix of culture, rhythm, dance and true love of the music!