Awa Odori ( Awa Dance Festival )

Along with portraits I needed to get some images of groups dancing at the festival. There are several areas where they dance, but I based myself at the largest venue where hundreds of spectators watch the event from terraced seating.

Awa Odori ( Awa Dance Festival )

Organizing a press pass meant I could get much better images than shooting from the terraces, but even press are restricted to where they can go so not to impede the dancers or spoil the view for spectators.

Awa Odori ( Awa Dance Festival )

I shot hundreds of images between 6pm and 9.30pm, but nearly all the best shots came from a period of about 10 minutes during twilight just after the floodlights came on.

Awa Odori ( Awa Dance Festival )

Overall a great festival. If you’re ever in Japan between August 12 to 15, it’s definitely worth checking out.

Awa Odori ( Awa Dance Festival )

Awa Odori ( Awa Dance Festival )