Ayana Ishihara

When we tell someone to “feel the music,” what are we really asking?

Offbeat explores this as performers dance in the space between surrendering to music and resisting it.

They move in and out of rhythm, embracing awkwardness, clumsiness, and off-beat timing. From this playful tension, a contagious groove emerges—rising between discomfort and pleasure.

With ESC dancers, a live percussionist, and sound-producing scenography and costume, the audience is pulled into a vibrant choreography where the pulse is irresistible.

The concept of the space is inspired by a welding workshop. The costumes are a mix of workwear and teen fashion, with chains that create sound and silver fabric that reflects in the dark.

Sound as scenography. At the beginning, the performers introduce these objects through mechanical movements and sound. As the piece develops, the dancers carry the objects while the musician plays them like drums.

A window frame hangs in front of the existing door, marking the line between Offbeat and Onbeat, reflecting the structure of our society.