The other day 桜 and I visited the日舞 club {pronounced Nichibu}, this is the Japanese dancing club. It is an amazing art form that consists of a woman dancing in yukata to music, or sometimes, singing herself. This skill is needed as a Geisha {Japanese entertainer}, but can also be practiced as its own entity.

Upon arrival, we had to remove our shoes, before stepping into the Japanese tatami room. There, we were given a yukata to wear, as well as a fan. Before beginning, we chatted with the club members and ate Japanese candy. The clubs at 学主因 never fail to amaze me. There is always a club leader, who will be one of the oldest, and who is the best at that activity. The club leader is always so confident and kind, and knows exactly what she is doing. As most students will pick only one or two clubs to be a part of, and then practise very often, everyone in the club is enthusiastic and serious about learning the activity. It makes me wish that our clubs back home were similar.

Once everybody was ready, we were taught how to bow properly. This is a practised art form and I’ll freely admit that 桜 and I were not very good at it. In yukata, you first needed to move your right foot forward slightly, and then descend on to your left knee, keeping your back straight and your movements even. 

Next, you had to lower your right knee, and sit in that position, with your hands gracefully on your lap, and then place your fan in front of you. Following this, you move your hands to your sides and traced the floor with your fingertips around to your front, creating a triangle shape. We then had to bow, with a straight back, and hold it for three counts before rising. The next step was to place your fan back in your yukata, and stand up in one movement. I greatly admire those who are able to do this gracefully!

Following this, 桜 {Sakura} and I learnt a short dance to, ironically, the song Sakura. We practised for a while before putting it to music, and though difficult it was really fun. After our dancing, we were able to watch the other club members, and it was really enjoyable. Everyone was so graceful and in control of their movements. I definitely want to give this art form another try!

Below are a few more vocab words…

-H