Despite the unforgiving sorrow during World War II, thousands of enslaved Japanese Americans remained hopeful by entertaining themselves and the public.

On Sunday, April 1, UNIQUE Programs and the Multicultural Center will presents “5/15/45 ? The Last Dance,” a performance to honor those who were incarcerated in the camps during the war.

The presentation will take place at 4 p.m., in the University Union Ballroom.This special presentation is a modern dance performance and installation/swing dance based on the relocation, displacement, and passing nature of the Japanese-American internment experience.

June Watanabe, who has trained in modern dance at UCLA, is the choreographer for “5/15/45 ? The Last Dance.” Watanabe?s work has received support from the NEA, Rockefeller MAP Fund, the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, the Hewlett and Marin Community Foundation, the California Arts Council, and Meet the Composer/Choreographer Award.

Much of Watanabe?s work is a result of her bi-cultural experience. The Japanese Noh Dance and traditional upbringing has strongly influenced the formal ritualistic nature with dynamic kinetics of her Western training. As a survivor of the camps during the age of three, Watanabe has created five modern dance versions that showcase the resilient spirit displayed by the prisoners over the years.

The dance performance is comprised of six dancers, and story-teller/bandleader with a 17-member swing band. The music is composed by Alvin Curran, and visual design is by John Woodall. There will also be an opportunity for the audience to participate in a swing dance at the end.

Tickets are available at the CSUS Central Ticket Office and online at Tickets.com. The cost is $5 for students and $7.50 general. For more information, call (916) 278-6997.