Bugaku Dance
Bugaku is the ancient repertoire of dances of the Japanese Imperial court. Derived originally from dance forms imported from China, India and Korea, they quickly became thoroughly Japanese in mood and effect. The dances are divided into “dances of the left” and “dances of the right.” Each set of dances is performed to a different style of gagaku, the ancient orchestral music of the court. The separate styles of dance are also differentiated by the colors of the dancer’s richly decorated costumes. “Dancers of the Right” appear mostly in blues and greens, while “Dancers of the Left” wear costumes emphasizing various shades of red.
The movements of the dance are highly systematized, and the choreography tends to simple repetitions of geometric patterns. The masks worn by performers are also an important element of the form, representing the various characters of the dance.
During the Kamakura period, bugaku largely vanished from the Imperial court, but was taken up elsewhere and survives today as a remarkably intact tradition, given its age. For visitors to Japan, bugaku can seem severely formal and inaccessible (as it does to most modern Japanese), but it’s ancient origin and status as Japan’s oldest existing traditional music and dance forms make it worth seeing at least once. Itsukushima Shrine, near Hiroshima City, holds bugaku performances throughout the year. Check the events calendar online for times if you’re planning to visit the area.
More Info.:
The Otorii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine
Itsukushima Shrine
The Kangensai Festival
The Tamatorisai Festival
The Chinkasai Festival
Making the New Year's First Prayers
Miyajima Tourist Association: http://www.miyajima.or.jp
