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