Classical Japanese Dance | Traditional Japanese Dance Basics

Learn to Dance "Sakura Cherry Blossoms" and the Basic Technique of Traditional/Classical Japanese Dance / Nihon Buyo

What you'll learn

You will learn "Sakura Cherry Blossoms," a dance for beginning and intermediate students in the Yamazaki Method™ of Classical Japanese Dance/Nihon Buyō

Through learning the dance "Sakura Cherry Blossoms," you will learn the fundamental technique of Classical/Traditional Japanese Dance / Nihon Buyō

Specifically, you will learn the suriashi sliding steps, eye and chin movements, and how to use the sensu in Classical/Traditional Japanese Dance / Nihon Buyo

You will learn how to teach Classical/Traditional Japanese Dance / Nihon Buyo if you are a teacher or want to become a teacher of Classical Japanese Dance.

Requirements

No prior experience is necessary.

Set aside a time and space to practice, preferably every day, even for five minutes.

Wear comfortable clothing and a pair of socks. You can wear a kimono or yukata if you have one.

Description

"Sakura Cherry Blossoms" is one of the introductory dances for beginning students who study Classical Japanese Dance in the Yamazaki Method™. Through learning this dance, you will learn three essential components of Classical Japanese Dance technique: suriashi sliding steps, eye and chin movements, and how to use the sensu. The choreography utilizes techniques introduced in the courses on Fundamental Technique of Classical Japanese Dance (coming soon), so taking all these courses together will give you a solid foundation.This dance is also useful for intermediate and advanced learners to master finer nuances of expression in Classical Japanese Dance.The song Sakura Sakura is a well-known traditional tune originally composed for the koto (a large, rounded wooden instrument with 13 strings) in the mid-nineteenth century. It is probably one of the best known melodies of Japan.This course introduces three variations of the dance: (1) the basic version using a sensu, (2) the basic version using a cherry blossom branch, and (3) the advanced longer version using two sensu. Start with the basic version with a sensu, and once you have mastered it, experiment with other variations.You will also find information on recommended costumes, where to buy sensu, and where to find the music in the resources section at the end of the course.

Overview

Section 1: Watch My Demonstration - Basic Version with a Sensu

Lecture 1 Demonstration 1

Section 2: First Verse - Basic Version with a Sensu

Lecture 2 Instructions - First Verse

Lecture 3 Practice with Music

Section 3: Second Verse - Basic Version with a Sensu

Lecture 4 Instructions - Second Verse

Lecture 5 Practice with Music

Section 4: From the Beginning to the End - Basic Version with a Sensu

Lecture 6 Practice with Music - From the Beginning to the End

Section 5: Watch My Demonstration - Basic Version with a Cherry Blossom Branch

Lecture 7 Demonstration 2

Section 6: Watch My Demonstration - Advanced/Longer Version with Two Sensu

Lecture 8 Demonstration 3

Section 7: Advanced/Longer Version with Two Sensu

Lecture 9 Instructions

Lecture 10 Practice with Music

Section 8: Resources

Lecture 11 About This Dance

Lecture 12 Costume, Sensu, Props, and Music

Lecture 13 Bonus Section

Beginners,Intermediate learners who want to improve their skills,Advanced learners and teachers who want to learn how to teach Classical Japanese Dance,Men, women, and others,Adults and children; children under ten may require an adult's help,School teachers who want to incorporate Japanese dance into their classroom activities