August 12, 2015
The flower of the Ryukyu Dynasty culture - Ryukyu dance
Hideki Kawamitsu, National Theatre Okinawa
Okinawa is a region full of song and dance and has been dubbed "the island of arts." The Ryukyu Dynasty amassed wealth and prosperity through trade with China, South East Asia, and Japan. They also absorbed these other cultures through trade exchange, and developed a unique aesthetic and dynastic culture worthy of praise around the world. Kumiodori, Ryukyu dance, and sanshin music are traditional arts that symbolize the Ryukyu Dynasty culture. Here, we will introduce the history of one of these, the Ryukyu dance.
The Ryukyu dance symbolizing Okinawan culture can be grouped into three distinct groups: the classical dance (kotenbuyo), which developed primarily as a court dance for the Ryukyu Dynasty; the zouodori, which developed in commercial theatres after the collapse of the Ryukyu Dynasty; and the creative dance (sousakubuyo), which developed after World War Ⅱ. The origins of Ryukyu dance are thought to be old festivals and ceremonies, and are characterized by kneading motions of the hand (koneri) and willowy body movements (nayori).
Old man's dance, classical dance "Kagiyade-fu"
Young man's dance, classical dance "Wakashu-zei"
Ryukyu was united in 1429 by King Sho Hashi and maintained its independent state and culture until its collapse through the abolition of feudal domains and establishment of prefectures in 1879. The exchange between Ryukyu and China is said to have begun when King Satto of the Chuzan Kingdom surrendered to Emperor Hongwu and a tributary relationship was established between the two nations. The act of appointing a head of state within the vassals of the Chinese empire is called bestowing peerage and an accredited envoy handles the imperial rescript. The peerage occurred over 20 times between King Bunei of the Chuzan Kingdom in 1404 to the last King of Ryukyu, Shotai, in 1866. The Ryukyu Dynasty held months-long ceremonies when they received the accredited envoys and a splendid banquet to welcome them.
Ryukyu built on the tributary relationship with China and continued commerce with countries throughout Asia and began to see the importance of banquets. As such, the royal kingdom commissioned a court entertainment group in charge of music and dance to welcome the accredited envoys. One of the items that the envoy brought with them was a crown for the king, so the envoy’s ship came to be called "The Crown Ship" (okansen). The performance held to welcome the envoy came to be known as "The Crown Ship Dance" (okansen odori).
Young woman's dance, classical dance "Amakaa"
Boy's dance, classical dance "Takadeera Manzai"
After the invasion of Ryukyu by Satsuma in 1609, Ryukyu continued the tributary relationship with China while under substantial control by Satsuma. It was in this irregular way that Ryukyu was included in Japan's feudal system. Afterwards, every time a king ascended the throne in Ryukyu, a special envoy was sent to Edo (called shaonshi) and another special envoy was sent every time the Tokugawa Shogunate changed (called keigashi). These envoy missions to Edo occurred 18 times between 1634 and 1850. In the procession containing the envoys, there were special dance troupes, and there are records of their presentation to the Tokugawa Shogunate in Edo, as well as the Satsuma Court. Additionally, it is said that these dances were performed to welcome Satsuma diplomats living in Ryukyu.
The high quality and beauty of the sophisticated process and form of the classical dance began in this historical context and was artistically refined by the royal court of Ryukyu. The classical dance includes "the old man's dance," which is a dance full of dignity and affection, wishing for long life and perpetuation of the family line; "the young person's dance," which is a celebratory dance of young boys before the age of 15; "the woman's dance," which expresses an abstract beauty through minimal movements and themes of love and romance; and "the young man's dance," which is based on karate and incorporates Japanese arts into the clothing and music, showcasing the energetic dance of young men. The dancers back then were limited to elite males of noble birth.
The nobles responsible for the Crown Ship Dance, which became obsolete when the dynasty ended in 1879, moved from the capital to the town of Naha. In order to make a living, they began to show the court performances to the general population in a small, rundown theatre for an entrance fee. In doing so, a new form of dance was developed, showcasing the lives of the farmers, fishers, and villagers. Unlike the classical court dance, which regulated the form of beauty, this new dance was rhythmical and easy to dance to, capturing the hearts of the people.
"Tanchame"
The "creative dance" was developed when traditional art forms flourished after the war. A number of dances were developed through research of classical dance, which seemed to expand the charm and possibilities of the Ryukyu dance.
"Kuwamuibushi"
This September, the Ryukyu Dance Competition will be held by the holder of the nationally designated important intangible cultural property. You can enjoy the high quality traditional beauty through the Ryukyu dance of the Ryukyu Dynasty culture.