TRADITIONAL DANCE
Traditional Island dances consist of three types:
Court Dance
ZO-Odori
and
Folk Dance

The court dances originated from the ones in which people prayed in ancient times to gods for good harvests. Around the 17th Century, the king of of the Ryukyus called for the creation of court dance. At that time, the island was an independent kingdom and established diplomatic relationships with China and Southeast Asian countries, exchanging commodities and exporting/importing cultures in mutual friendship.

In the process of creation of the court dance, techniques of Noh and Kabuki on mainland Japan were incorporated and movements of Southeast Asian countries were transferred. In this way, the court dance was completed being played solemnly in colorful purple costumes.

Zo-Odori (Semi-Classical Dance) was developed in the Meiji era, when Japan opened its door to the rest of the world and began its modernization. After Meiji Restoration (1868), professional artists and dancers completed the Zo-Odori incorporating Ryukyuan classical music and folksongs.

Click images to enlarge.

Click images to enlarge.

Several of the costumes for the Zo-Odori, shown here, are
Ryukyuan kasuri,
simple kimonos worn for daily wear,
when I lived on the island.
More about those and other kimono fashions when I get to textiles.


More about Zo-Odori, with photos
Click here
and
Here

The Folk dance, namely, is developed as common people's dance. The dance is always performed in daily life to bring energy, hope and happiness. One of the folk dances, "Kachashiee", is the most joyful one, inviting the audience on the stage to enjoy the dance together in their own way.

Click images to enlarge.

Click images to enlarge.

Click images to enlarge.

Click image to enlarge.

The Kumiodori is a sort of court dance, a music drama which is developed by the melody and the words of the songs. A Ryukyu courtier named Tamagusuku Chokune (1684-1734) is universally cited as being the creator of kumi odori. He was in charge of traditional arts and obliged to visit Edo by order of the king of the Ryukyus. He subsequently adopted the Japanese techniques of Noh and Kabuki.

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The Kumiodori has been designated a
National Important Intangible Cultural Asset of Japan,
like Noh and Kabuki.
The art form is preserved in a 650-seat
National Kumi Odori Theatre
near Naha.
(Main text from Okinawa Culture Association)

For an article about Kumiodori
Click here

Wonderful info about the Ryukyu Dance Traditions
Click here
(Click on tabs at top of page.)

The Japan Foundation, Bangkok - see more
Click here


Traditional Ryukyu Musical Instruments

The three-string Sanshin, imported from China, is the most important instrument in Ryukyuan music. The island's folk music is typically accompanied by the sanshin, the Sanba (which produce a clicking sound similar to that of castanets) and a sharp bird whistle.

Click images to enlarge.