Tátake!-Taiko

Tátake!-Taiko is a division of It's Art bvba , and was founded by Bart Gits. It's Art wants to offer and spread less known Japanese arts and disciplines in Belgium, always respectful of the authenticity and underlying Japanese philosophy.

Tátake!-Taiko shows the art of Japanese drumming. Taiko literally means big drum, and is both the name of the drum as of the discipline. Tátake! is the imperative of the verb tataku, to hit a rythm. So in fact "hit a rythm', but our translation is "hit and drum". Taiko is more than just hitting a rythm.

Tátake!-Taiko is both the name of Belgium's biggest taikoschool and of the professional concertgroup. Bart Gits teaches according to his own created Shizen-method. Shizen is Japanese for nature, this method is based on natural movements so there is no chance of getting hurt.

In the contrary, by playing taiko your body will become more supple and strong without you noticing it. On top of that a lot of attention is paid to the role taiko plays in every one's personal path in life, this is also a part of the Shizen-method.

Tátake!-Taiko is led by :

Bart Gits

Master in Industrial Engineering, specialisation Electronics, more than 15 years a succesful top manager in the industry. 16 jaar Bart was inspired by a taikoconcert of the Japanese group Kodó, his fascination for taiko has led to the founding of the Tátake!-Taiko concertgroep as the Tátake!-Taikoschool.

Bart coaches the concertgroup members technically and artistically. He is a taikopioneer in Belgium with a unique vision, and continues to study taiko in Europe and Japan.

Bart is the manager of the company It's Art bvba .

Saskia Rock

With her background as Master in Japanese Studies, Saskia facilitates direct contacts with Japan. After graduating at the KULeuven she lived and worked in Japan, an experience she used in her work as a manager in the industry.

Saskia has a passion for Japanese culture, and is the main force behind the Japan Centre where she strives to make real Japanese culture available for everybody.

She actively studies Ikebana (flower arrangement), Shibori ( fabric art, Kyudo (archery), and ofcourse the Japanese language and philosophy.

Saskia during a workshop "kimono en obi" at the Elf Fantasy Fair in Arcen (autumn 2009)

Click here for more information on courses at the Japan Centre.

Concerts

The members of the concertgroup practise at least 10 hours per week in our dojo in the Japan Centre or individually. A lot of attention is paid to playing technique and group performance, but also to other instruments, theatre, singing and dancing. De concertgroup exists of a variable number of players, depending on the event.

The word concert has a very broad meaning to Tátake!-Taiko and can be adapted to all your wishes. Ranging from a short demonstration of a few minutes with a minimum of three players, to a full concert of 90 minutes with the complete concert group with possibly external artists, all is possible.

Tátake!-Taiko brings an inspired mix of traditional Japanese percussion , theater, singing, dancing and a variety of musical instruments.

Tátake!-Taiko has special discount prices for schools, non-profit organisations and youth projects.

Music

A show is possible from 3 players, and can last from a few to 15 to 20 minutes. Depending on the time allowed several taiko styles will be shown, with or without an explanation of the tradition or the pieces as requested.

With youth concerts a lot of attention is paid to the interactive element, clapping and use of voice are encouraged. The live accompaniment of an event, like eg a martial arts championship is also possible.

A concert can also be completely adapted to occasion and budget, ranging from 30 to 90 minutes. The Tátake! members enliven the performance by playing other instruments to accompany the taiko like the Fue (flute), atarigane and chappa (cymbals).

Technique

Tátake ! can also take care of the entire event including stage, lichting and sound. Stage size, lighting and sound requirements can be discussed and will be taken care of in a timely and professional manner.

Do you need more information or do you have an event in the near future, please mail info@tatake.be

or call +32(0)475 270 870