Japanese Dance

The Japanese has a variety of dance types. Two out of the dance types are known as Noh mai and Bon Oduri. Although both dance types are traditional dances, they serve different purposes.

Noh mai dance is mainly for entertainment purposes. It was created during the 13th century. The dance is usually performed on stage either in dance concerts or theatrical plays. Noh mai is usually accompanied by music from the flute or small hand drums. Noh mai may also be performed to vocal and percussion music, this is known as kiri or kuse.

There are several basic dance steps involved in Noh mai. The dance movements can be slow, fast or moderate in speed. In Noh mai the costumes play a major part. This is because if the dance begins slowly, the dancers are to use costumes that are colorful so as to keep the audience engaged with the performance. The dancers are also supposed to wear costumes that will represent which region they originate from. The main Noh mai dancers will put on masks. These masks are considered to be the most artistic mask in Japan.

Another traditional dance is called Bon Oduri. This dance is specially performed in the month of August. Bon Oduri is a dance dedicated for the loved ones who had passed away. This dance is performed at night. This is because the Japanese believed that the souls will only visit at night. The dance is performed with happy songs so as to show that they are welcoming the spirits of the dead. The dance is performed around a Yargura. The Yargura is actually a wooden tower specially designed and built for the dance to be performed. The people will dance around the Yargura.

However, bon Oduri are performed differently in the different regions. The dance choreographed is mainly influenced by the regions history. This is to allow the people to reminisce about their past.

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