Hello, I am Yoshi from NILS Japanese language school. Many of our students are very interested in learning Japanese culture. As we introduced before (Shamisen 三味線), you have a chance to learn Japanese traditional culture here in Fukuoka. Today, we want to introduce 日本舞踊 nihon buyo or Japanese classical dance to you.
For most foreigners, Japanese classical dance means kabuki dance. But Japanese classical dance consists of three different elements, namely
1. Mai 舞い involves circular horizontal movements,
2. Odori 踊り includes vertical movements like jumping, and
3. Furi 振り expresses emotion and situation.
Mai, much older than orodi, is usually used in ceremonial dances of Shintoism and noh, while odori originates in kabuki. Furi was added to odori by female impersonators in kabuki. Today there are more than 100 schools of Japanese classical dancing such as Fujima, Bandou, and Hanayagi schools, most of which were founded in the 19th century by kabuki actors or choreogrphers.

The Japanese Classical Dance Association Inc.

May 16th News from NILS Japanese language school.