LOS ANGELES (Kyodo) In an evocative blend of experimental and traditional art, the Tokyo dance ensemble Pappa Tarahumara captivated audiences recently with the West Coast premiere of its haunting work "Ship in a View."

The eclectic group, named for the Tarahumara Indians of northwestern Mexico, graced the stage of Royce Hall at the University of California, Los Angeles, on Feb. 3 and 4 combining noh-style movements with pulsating modern dance and darkly whimsical stage props.

"I was overwhelmed. It was so visually and emotionally moving. I was pleasantly surprised at the essence, flow and feeling of the piece," said Emika Abe, a 21-year-old senior in theater at UCLA.