The Washington Ballet

National Cherry Blossom Festival

2024 Opening Ceremony


Opening Ceremony Ballet

Opening Ceremony

The Opening Ceremony of the National Cherry Blossom Festival was held on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at The Warner Theatre in Washington, DC. This event marked the beginning of the four-week-long celebration of Spring and the 112th anniversary of the gift of cherry blossom trees from Tokyo to Washington, DC. It also celebrated the friendship between Japan and the United States with unique performances.

Opening Cermony

The Opening Ceremony was a vibrant showcase of music, dance, and cultural tribute, featuring performances by included Kaoru Watanabe's engaging music, Jo Kanamori's choreography with The Washington Ballet, and Naotaro Moriyama's performance. The event, co-presented with The Japan Foundation, showcased a blend of cultural expressions and was available for live-streaming, ensuring wide accessibility.

Opening Ceremony

The Washington Ballet

Choreographer and dancer Jo Kanamori, the general artistic director of Noism Company Niigata, directed and choreographed a piece that debuted at the ceremony, featuring dancers from The Washington Ballet Company. This collaboration highlighted Kanamori's extensive international experience and brought a unique dance piece to life on stage.

Naotaro Moriyama

Adding to the musical diversity, Naotaro Moriyama, celebrated for his distinctive vocalization and broad appeal across generations of music lovers, performed fresh from his 20th anniversary tour in Japan. Moriyama's participation in the ceremony was a testament to his significant impact on the music scene, both in Japan and internationally.

Opening Ceremony

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