Objectives

• To help students understand the culture of Japan through its traditional dance forms.
• Based on a belief that art, particularly dance, is a form of communication among people that leads to a better understanding about the feelings and cultures of others, students are taught steps and movements of Japanese dance and selected numbers of Kabuki dance, and folk forms.
• Also included are presentations on history, religion, and various social factors that shaped the particular dance forms of Japan.
• Through the learning of dance technique in a new cultural context, students are expected to reflect on the meanings of their own culture and art forms.
• It is hoped that this educational experience will be a source of inspiration in their creative life.

• Basic movements and techniques of classical Japanese dance. Instruction on selected dances of Kabuki, Noh, folkloric, and Okinawan dance.
• The relationship between Japanese dance and drama forms, Noh and Kabuki.
• Influence of other dance forms and cultures (China, Korea, the West) on the development of Japanese dance.
• The relationship between religion and dance in Japanese society.
• The movement and stylistic differences between the dance forms of Eastern and Western societies as indices of cultural diversities.

• Teachers and All levels of students from elementary through college.
• Recommended for social studies, performing arts, humanities, and fine arts classes.
• College majors in Asian Studies, Dance, or Performance Studies.
• General public, continuing education, or community outreach programs.
• Members/general public through museum outreach and educational programs.

• Residency:
  1. One week, culminating in a concert by Dr. Ito
  2. One semester, culminating in a concert by students
• One-day Workshop:
  The workshop gives the student an over-all picture of Japanese dance and performing arts such as Noh, Kabuki, and Okinawan dance, and their related forms.
• Concert:
  Full performance including lecture - demonstration.
  Lectures using video tapes and slides.
  
  

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