Young actresses graduate from Takarazuka school

Thirty-eight young women dreaming of future stardom have graduated from the Takarazuka Music School, an academy affiliated with an all-female musical theatre troupe in Takarazuka City, near Osaka.

Chosen from over 800 applicants, the women have been studying dancing and singing for the past 2 years.

At a ceremony on Monday, the actresses --- dressed in formal black kimono and dark green hakama skirts ---received a graduation certificate from the school principal.

A representative of the students, Ami Norimatsu, said she was filled with gratitude, joy and hope. She pledged to pursue the school's teachings of purity, righteousness and beauty.
The graduates will join the professional Takarazuka Revue Company and make their debut in a production of "The Scarlet Pimpernel" starting on March 16th.
2010/03/01 20:05(JST)