
Learn the kaisho technique first, then explore gyosho or sosho in classical Japanese dance, focusing on movement elements that form clear, energized phrases.
Ground yourself with tabi socks and feel earth energy travel up your spine to your head. Align the pelvis with knee bending in a natural spine curve, avoiding skyhook.
Follow along the grounding exercise: bend and straighten the knees, shift feet, turn out 45 degrees, and return to stance while maintaining posture.
Practice the basic technique of classical Japanese dance in rhythm with music, focusing on coordinated movements that respond to musical cues.
Master balance in a one-foot stance through the second exercise, using the two hand shape, preparation cues, weight shifts, knee bends, ankle flexion, and turn-out to hip-height positions.
Practice with music to build the basic technique of classical/traditional Japanese dance for learners in this course.
Master the core directional changes in classical Japanese dance through two footwork methods, including the kaki mawashi hook turn, with side and front views guiding knee bends and smooth transitions.
Practice with music to build foundational technique in classical Japanese dance, using sounds like baa and bop to guide movement.
Practice these exercises daily, regardless of experience. Beginners should do their best and keep at it, while experienced dancers integrate them into daily training and warm up.
This course focuses on the most fundamental of all the fundamental techniques of Classical Japanese Dance, Traditional Japanese Dance, and Nihon Buyo.
First, you will learn the two most essential elements of all genres of Japanese dance: (1) using the earth’s energy and (2) putting your pelvis in alignment, which is often referred to as "koshi o ireru." Then, you will learn three kinds of basic exercises: (1) grounding exercise, (2) balancing exercise, and (3) changing-directions exercise. The instructor will give you detailed step-by-step instructions on how to do these exercises. You will also be able to see close-up views of the instructor’s feet so they will be easy for you to follow. You will then practice these exercises to the accompanying hand-drum beat by simultaneously watching the mirrored view and the back view of the instructor.
This course is a good place to start for complete beginners and first-time learners of Classical Japanese Dance. Intermediate and advanced students would also find this course to be useful for a warmup, daily training, and honing skills. It is also helpful for teachers who want to learn how to teach Classical Japanese Dance, Traditional Japanese Dance, and Nihon Buyo using a systematic method.