Parasol dance

The Japanese Parasol Dance is an example of a simple Japanese dance that uses an umbrella. The dance is suited for girls making use of shuffling steps that is basic to a typical Japanese. The Parasol Dance is from Kabuki. The song played during the dance is called Mikado (a song in 4/4 time).

Format

The Costumes worn include brightly colored Kimono, a parasol (umbrella), and Japanese wooden shoes that are similar to clogs.

Counting used in the dance: one, two, three, four, one measure. Basic steps used: Shuffling steps.

Formation: In groups of four facing the audience. The open parasol is held with two hands over the head, the hands holding the handle at chest level. They stand about four feet away from each other. One to any number of sets may take part in this dance.

Steps

Steps of the Parasol Dance:

I. Music A

a. Starting with the R foot, execute shuffling steps forward. Twirl the parasol overhead.

b. With shuffling steps turn around in place clockwise. Twirl the parasol over the R shoulder.

c. Repeat (b) turning counterclockwise. Transfer parasol to the L shoulder.

d. Turn right about and repeat (a) going to proper place. Twirl the parasol overhead. Finish facing front.

e. Repeat (b) and (c).

II. Music B

a. Step R sideward (ct 1), step L close to R foot (ct 2), bend knees slightly (ct 3), straighten knees (ct 4). Bend the head slightly to the right side, parasol resting on the R shoulder (do not turn)

b. Repeat (a) to the left side, starting with the L foot. Transfer the parasol to the L shoulder (ct 1-4)

c. Repeat (a) and (b)

d. With no.1 leading, execute shuffling steps moving clockwise. Each group makes its own circle. Twirl parasol on the R shoulder (8 cts)

e. Turn right about and repeat (d) counterclockwise. Transfer parasol to the L shoulder.

III. Music C

a. All bend forward and drop on knees. Place the parasol behind. Bend trunk slowly forward until the head touches the floor (obeisance) (8 cts)

b. Raise the trunk slowly and take parasol with both hands and place it in front (8 cts)

c. In kneeling position, sit on the heels (Japanese Fashion). Raise the head and look around the parasol at the right side (4 cts) and to the left side (4 cts)

d. Repeat c.

IV. Music A

a. Each girl rolls her own parasol around self clockwise (4 cts) and counterclockwise (4 cts)

b. Roll it in front to sideward right (2 cts.) and to sideward left (2 cts)

c. Repeat (b)

d. Repeat (a) and (b)

e. All take parasol and stand up with the R foot first (4 cts)

V. Music B

All face right, holding parasol with two hands at thigh level (top toward the audience, handle toward the rear).

a. Execute shuffling steps forward, twirling parasol clockwise (4 cts)

b. Turn left about, repeat (a), parasol top toward audience, (4 cts)

c. Turn right about. Repeat (a) and (b)

d. Execute shuffling steps forward to form a square, each girl occupying a corner, facing a common center.

e. Turn around in place clockwise (2M) and counterclockwise (2M) as in figure I (b) and (c). Finish facing the center.

f. Turn around in place as in figure I (b) twice (8 cts). Finish facing proper places.

g. Repeat (a) going to place.

h. With no.1 leading each set turn once, clockwise and then exit. Use shuffling steps throughout, twirling the parasol on the shoulder.

Note: If more music is needed, part C may be repeated as many times as necessary.^[1]

See also

• Japanese traditional dance

References