Japan - Dance Philosophies, Dance Classifications, Dance Forms

Question 1

Okisa

Answer 1

(Dance Philosophies)
the force required by the reduction of the dancer’s efforts through concentration and restriction (making movement more powerful)

Question 2

Ma

Answer 2

(Dance Philosophies)

spatial and temporal link between one movement and the next that provide continuous flow

Question 3

Shosogoto

Answer 3

(Dance Classifications)

dance in the theatre

Question 4

Su Odori

Answer 4

(Dance Classifications)

dance performed at a recital or banquet

Question 5

Kagura

Answer 5

(Dance Forms)
Early worship, in dance, of the Shinto religion in Japan
Reserved for certain ceremonial traditions, not danced much anymore

Question 6

Ennen

Answer 6

(Dance Forms)

are the dances that were performed by Buddhist monks at festivals

Question 7

Noh

Answer 7

(Dance Forms)
Played by men
Masks - Okina (wise old man)
white beard symbolizes wise
Noh dates to the 14th century
It is a form that features masks as a way to determine character
Noh Stage is exactly like the Shinto Temple (serves as a model)
On the back of every stage is a picture of a pine tree
The material is very important: spruce, pine, plants - makes you feel like you’re outdoors

Question 8

Shite

Answer 8

(Dance Forms)

primary or leading characters in the Noh performance. They are central to the story and wear masks.

Question 9

Kyogen

Answer 9

(Dance Forms)

comic interlude players

Question 10

Okina

Answer 10

(Dance Forms)

wise old man

Question 11

Matsubame

Answer 11

(Dance Forms)

is adorned with the image of the pine tree

Question 12

Zeami

Answer 12

(Dance Forms)
started Noh
It has also been called the hidden beauty within art. “The touch of cosmic truth” and “the sad realization of human fate.” - Zeami (know who he is!! In reading!)

Question 13

Sagi

Answer 13

(Dance Forms)

The Heron

Question 14

Kabuki

Answer 14

(Dance Forms)
Far more dramatic than Noh
Translated it means “out of kilter” or “off balance.
17th century origins for this theatre art are founded in the story of Okuni
Okuni, the “renegade” priestess danced at the shrine near Kyoto. Then as a dancer at the famous dry riverbed of Kyoto’s Kamo river

Question 15

Odori

Answer 15

(Dance Forms)

a folk type of movement including light leaps and some big jumps

Question 16

Mai

Answer 16

(Dance Forms)
The tradition of the mid level gliding movement comes from the mode of walking for early royal court ladies, and was considered the height of elegance

Question 17

Furi

Answer 17

(Dance Forms)

a wide range of mime

Question 18

Mie

Answer 18

(Dance Forms)
a trademark of Kabuki as the temporary shape or expression seen on a performer’s face
The image is an evil and angry mie is displayed in this antique print.
Up to 10 sec
Exaggerated expression is made during intense moments within the dance

Question 19

Butoh

Answer 19

(Dance Forms)
Hanging from the ceiling dance
Dance, step - dance of (utter) darkness
Same white makeup as Kabuki
Butoh: the japanese indigenous dance of the 20th century
Butoh is a direct result of political and social conditions at the end of the second world war
Japan suffered the two atomic bombings at Nagasaki and Hiroshima. The immediate and the long term effects served as a strong motifs for the aesthetic of Butoh.