Watch “Dancing: Dance at Court”
After watching the video, answer the following questions in essay format.
The essay must be 250-300 words.
Describe the dance form Bugaku. Include music, movement, costuming, and who performs the dance. How is continuity maintained from generation to generation? What values of decorum (dignity) are demonstrated in Bugaku?
The term “bugaku” refers to a group of ritual dances performed in temples and mansions. These dances originated in China and Korea in the 7th and 8th centuries and were refined in the following two centuries. They are still performed in temples and at court ceremonies such as the coronation of emperors CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR ORDER Traditionally, bugaku is performed on stage 7 x 7 meters high. In the opening section, the dancers slowly appear on stage. As the dancers begin their slow, solemn, almost minimalist movements, the tempo of the music gradually picks up. Traditionally, bugaku is performed on stage 7 x 7 meters high. In the opening section, the dancers slowly appear on stage. As the dancers begin their slow, solemn, almost minimalist movements, the tempo of the music gradually picks up. Some dances may initially have narrative content, such as an Indian king fighting an invisible opponent or a simple ball game, while others also contain a playful character. Many dances, however, are entirely abstract. In general, the original narrative content has been replaced by an increasing indulgence in the ritual grace that was prevalent in the court during the Heian period.
Reference
Rambelli, F. (2021). The Dharma of Music. Japanese Journal of Religious Studies, 48(1), 45-71.
Nelson, S. G. (2017). Court and religious music (1): history of gagaku and shōmyō. In The Ashgate research companion to Japanese music (pp. 35-48). Routledge.
Describe the Asanti royal festival shown in the film. Why did the Ghanaian Chief of State make an appearance at the Asante festival?
