Sailors from Commander Fleet Activities Okinawa teamed up with a local Okinawan group to learn and perform a traditional dragon dance at a concert in Kadena town.

The Sailors joined a local Seinenkai, a social group for college-aged adults, who are responsible for preserving local traditions, planning events and volunteer activities.

"Being able to do this with our host nation is tremendous," said Yeoman 2nd Class Samantha Rosemond, attached to the administration department at CFAO. "I felt proud because it is something that has history and tradition in it."

"It's a new and a fascinating experience," said Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Raul Florencio, attached to Personnel Support Detachment Okinawa.

This exchange opportunity came about when the CFAO public affairs office received a request from the Seinenkai for Sailors to learn and perform the White Dragon Dance.

"It was such an honor to be invited to take part in this important cultural tradition," said Marshall Smith, CFAO's public affairs officer.

Four Sailors chose to participate, committing to practices twice a week for more than a month.

"This was an opportunity for our Sailors to develop relationships with the local community and learn about Okinawan culture," said Smith. "Despite the language barrier, the Seinenkai welcomed these four Sailors into their group and patiently taught them an important Okinawan tradition. It's an experience these Americans couldn't get anywhere else, and it illustrates the strong bond the Navy has with Okinawa."

In addition to the Sailors building camaraderie with the Seinenkai and learning about Okinawan culture, it was also an opportunity for the Seinenkai to learn about American culture and build friendships with their American neighbors.

"We live in the same place and it doesn't matter everyone is close and we should work together," said Tatsuya Nakamura, Seinenkai member and the organizer of the White Dragon dance team. "This is one of many opportunities to get together and make a good effort."

The dance consists of performers manipulating a 15-foot-long dragon with the body of a snake. The performers form a single file line and hold wooden poles connected to the dragon's head and body. The person in the front controls the intricately decorated dragon head, complete with teeth, horns, hair and whiskers, and leads the procession through precision moves such as s-curves and circles. The performance requires strong teamwork to execute the complicated maneuvers smoothly.

"It is strenuous, but it gives me that much more respect for those who have performed it," said Rosemond.

The group performed at Kadena's Uta no Hi concert June 24 in front of thousands of people. They said they plan on continuing to perform with the Seinenkai.


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