Japanese Dance

The various styles of traditional Japanese dance can be roughly divided into four categories: the showy Kabuki buyo from the Kabuki theatre; the more subdued kamigata-mai, which includes elements of the Noh theatre; minzoku-buyo folk dances; and Ryukyu-buyo, which originated in the Ryukyu Islands, now called Okinawa. Japanese dance has developed in close contact with the daily lives of ordinary people. Its two basic concepts, the sedate mai and the more lively odori, both originated from dances dedicated to the gods.

In this programme we introduce the history and particular charms of each style of dance, the distinct forms of expression used, the way the next generation of dancers is being trained, and also how traditions are handed down through local communities performing the Bon-Odori dances of summer festivals.

Quelle: Nachrichten aus Japan, Okt/Nov/Dez 1999, S. 8 - 9; eine Publikation der Japanischen Botschaft in Bern

Video tape in English
Videokassette in englischer Sprache
Vidéocassette en anglais

For more Information / Weitere Informationen:

Kulturabteilung der Japanischen Botschaft in Bern
Engestr. 43/53
CH-3012 Bern

Tel. CH: 031 305 15 70, international: +41 31 305 15 70