This picture interesting not because it's unique, but because it's normal. Every day in Shibuya I see some sort of fashion that makes my jaw drop. This was taken just outside the school.
With friends at a seriously local seafood restaurant in Shinjuku (a big downtown area in Tokyo)
With students and teachers at the school's Halloween party. There was tons of food and.... alcohol?! I was amazed that we could drink with students IN the school here. It's normal for them though - a steady stream of alcohol runs through the veins of Japan.
Me wearing a ridiculous costume and posing with the six time world salsa champion and choreographer for "Dancing with the Stars" and "So you think you can dance." We danced while I was wearing this costume. Just absurd/terrific.
With my dance partner, Yumi, at before performing at the Japan Salsa Congress.
Our team: Esperanza. 
With Yumi... and a lot of makeup
With a friend from Hiroshima area will be going to San Diego for the World Latin Dance Cup in December.Happy holidays everyone!
It has been far too long since I have written. All is well in Tokyo and MUCH is happening so I wanted to send a quick update.
First, as I’ve mentioned, I’ve been dancing salsa with a Japanese team here. 300 hours of practice and an ungodly amount of cash later, we were able to perform on Halloween weekend in front of 600 people at the 2010 Japanese Salsa Congress. Based on the performance, our team was invited to the World Latin Dance Cup in San Diego! (Unfortunately, however, we will not be attending). The link for the video is here:
SALSA PERFORMANCE: ESPERANZA AT 2010 JAPAN SALSA CONGRESS
In other news, I will be taking winter vacation in Korea from December 26th until January 4th. My Australian/Korean co-worker and I will meet there and be staying at his grandmother’s home for part of the time.
Perhaps the biggest news of all, however, is that I have put in notice to end my current employment. My last day will be December 25th. Teaching at the school in Shibuya has been a wonderful experience I feel very blessed to have been in such a coveted location with terrific and supportive staff. I can’t even believe it’s been an entire year (as of November 24th). The time has just come, however, to seek more growth elsewhere teaching part-time (I’ve taken an offer) and to have a flexible schedule for dance, studying Japanese etc. I’m currently in the chaotic process of moving apartments and planning Korea while still working full-time until the 25th.
So, cheers from Tokyo! Would love to hear how you’re all doing! (Although I can’t promise a reply until January)
Best,
Danny
