Bugaku dance is the traditional Japanese dance that has been
performed to select elites mostly in Japanese imperial courts for over
twelve hundred years. In this way it has been an upper class secret,
although after World War II
the dance was opened to the public and has even toured around the world
in 1959. The dance is marked by its slow, precise and regal movements.
The dancers wear intricate traditional Buddhist costumes, which usually
include equally beautiful masks.
Amaterasu, the sun goddess had hidden herself in a cave because she was
hurt by her brother Susano-o’s unacceptable behaviour. Near the cave
entrance, the goddess Ame-no-uzume, turned a tub over and started to
dance on it in front of the worried assembly of gods. As Ame-no-uzume
was half naked already, with clothes falling off, the gods started
laughing loudly. When Amaterasu heard the commotion, she came out to see
what was happening. Thus the world had sunlight again. The imperial
family of Japan is said to have descended from Amaterasu and
Ame-no-uzume is considered the patron goddess of music and dance. This
story comes from Japanese Shinto mythology.
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