Once a year, the final round of a very popular and unusual dance contest is held in Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan--the'Te-odori Masters Championship.' The unique kind of folk dance called 'Te-odori' ('hand dancing') is based on the movements of the Kabuki theater. It developed amongst the rural communities of the region in the 19th century.

Accompanied by traditional songs played on the local variety of the threestringed shamisen called the 'Tsugaru-jamisen', the dances feature dancing on tiptoe in a half-seated posture, dynamic hand and neck movements, the skilful use of fans and parasols, and perfect group coordination. Young local people - mostly women - train all year for their one chance to perform in front of a critical but enthusiastic audience. They all dream of being a champion in either the individual or group ('Kumi-odori') category.

This documentarygives a fascinating glimpse of the backstage preparationsand performances of the four troupes selected to appear in the Kumi-odori final in the 2003 Championship.