In recent years Japanese Traditional Dancing has picked up many different influences, but at its core it strives to be true to long standing traditions in both form and behavior among its members and between teachers and students. 

For everyone not familiar with some Japanese traditions around the dance classroom, here a compilation of some.

Go-Aisatsu

In Japan a lot of emphasis is put on greetings to show respect to your peers and elders. 

In the dance class we usually will kneel and bow to our teacher before every class and at the conclusion to thank them. Of course this tradition can vary between teachers, but is usually considered good manners. 

Nattori

The world of dance in Japan is like a large family. When a student is deemed proficient and they wish to do so, he or she is formally initiated into this family of dancers by being given a stage name. 

For example our USA head teacher's name is Minako Ohara, however her Kiyonomoto stage name is Kiyonomoto Katsunami, a name given to her by her teacher in recognition of her accomplishments as a dancer. 

A dancer's school can therefore easily be recognized by their dance name. Our school's members will always have the family name Kiyonomoto, while student's of other schools will for example be named Hanayagi or Wakayagi and so forth.

Iemoto

Iemoto refers to the head of a household and as schools of traditional Japanese arts are passed down through the generations of a family,  Iemoto also refers to the headmaster of a school of traditional arts. 

under construction

Go-Shuugimono

Koten

Nagauta

Kouta

Hauta

Minyou

Enka