Nihon Buyo is a very mesmerising dance style comprising elements of pantomime (i.e. form of musical comedy) belonging to Japan,Asia. This “traditional” dance is said to have originated in Japan, and is said to have developed mainly during the 17th century. Apparently, this dance style has mainly been created to provide entertainment via stage performances. Furthermore, this dance comprises of three basic elements that include mai, odori, and furi. In addition, this dance style also comprises of four key components, and they include the Kabuki Buyo, Noh, folk dances, and shin buyo.
a. History/origin of the Nihon Buyo:
It was during the 17th century during the Edo Period in Japan that this dance style was first created. Apparently, it was developed borrowing elements mainly from the Kabuki, and the Kamigata-Mai which was created using the Noh as the template.
b. Costumes used in the Nihyon Buyo:
The costumes used in this dance form include the kimono and mixture of props such as umbrella known as kasa or hand towel known as tenugui.
c. Music involved in the Nihyon Buyo:
The musical instruments used in this dance are “traditionally Japanese”, and includes shamisen, fue, taiko, otsuzumi, and kotsuzumi.
d. Training availability and the technique involved in the Nihyon Buyo:
In terms of technique, this dance includes a separate style for male and female. The male version of this dance is extremely “energetic and masculine” in which the feet of the performer is turned out and elbows are positioned out and away from the body. As for the female version of this dance, the feet of performer are positioned slightly inwards along with the knees being held close together. In addition, the arms are positioned closer to the body thereby making it “feminine”. As for training centres/schools, there are number of them available especially in Japan for all those interested in acquiring knowledge in this “traditional Japanese dance style “.