How to Do the Kagura Dance

Kagura is an ancient Japanese dance that offers thanks to the gods for a bountiful harvest and serves as a purification ritual. Kagura, or Yokagura, goes all the way back to the 8th century. Many of the dances represent gods and demons from the mythological text Kojiki. Although rooted in tradition, Kagura adapts with the times, often creating dances that mimic modern dilemmas.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Instruments
• Costume

1. Look for Japanese dance festivals between November and February. Kagura is typically performed in the winter after the summer and autumn harvest are complete.

2. Find a shrine or community center that hosts Kagura events. A dance display is open to all ages, but be aware that typically sake is served for adult spectators. The ornate costumes and powerful music may frighten small children.

3. Know where to find Kagura. Kagura is considered a folk dance, which means it's performed predominantly in rural areas of Japan and therefore is more likely available in areas with a concentrated Japanese population. In communities like these, children begin Kagura training at a young age.

4. Be a boy. Children in Japan are introduced to Kagura around the age of six and learn the dance because their family has been doing Kagura for generations. Adult males are allowed to dance Kagura. Young girls can learn Kagura as well, but may not participate as adults out of respect for the gods.

5. Learn many instruments if you're interested in doing Kagura. Dancers must also be able to play the music for the show.

6. Find or make a costume. Costumes are very ornate. Many Kagura dancers wear costumes that have been passed down through their family for generations.