Fan dancing in Japan was first documented during the tenure of Emperor Jimmu. Fan Dancing was a privilege reserved for nobles and was rarely performed outside of the regal court.
Day of the Fan dance is on April 3. The ancient tradition of Japanese Fan Dancing dates back to 600 B.C. Originally, this practise served to keep the aristocracy comfortable. The regal dance evolved into a tool for narration and entertainment over time. The dances are characterised by colourful kimonos and handheld fans, flamboyant makeup, graceful movements, and expansive gestures. Generally, performances feature live traditional music, and people from all over the world appreciate them. Through deliberate, slow poses and movements, fan dancing recounts a story. Fan Dance Day was established to honour this art form and its rich history.
Fan dancing in Japan was first documented during the tenure of Emperor Jimmu. Fan Dancing was a privilege reserved for nobles and was rarely performed outside of the regal court. This iconic dance evolved over the centuries and became an integral part of festivities such as weddings and coronations. In ancient times, fans were used as social status indicators. The use of hinoku (Japanese cypress) to decorate fans was governed by the owner’s social status. In some instances, Japanese artisans created fans for members of high society out of sandalwood, ivory, and mother-of-pearl. These days, Japanese fans are exchanged as symbols of friendship or loyalty and good fortune.
The traditional materials for Japanese fans are paper, feathers, and fabric. The majority of modern fans are hand-painted and pleated from paper. All fans have a paper pivot attachment that allows them to be opened with a simple twist of the wrist. Additionally, the attachment permits the user to fold and spin the fan while dancing.
Modern Japan continues to practise traditional fan dancing. It is now available to all, not just the powerful. The performances continue to incorporate hand-painted paper fans, live music, and the playing of a shamisen (a three-stringed instrument). Fan dances are also performed without traditional elements for Western audiences. Instead, the choreography is more intense and the movements are accelerated. Instead of live performances, recorded music is utilised for the routines.
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Enjoy yourself by attending a performance of fan dancing. You’ll have a wonderful time with either the traditional or updated version.
Many locations offer fan dance classes for youth. Bring the children along for some quality time to enhance the enjoyment.
If you are unable to attend a performance or class, there are numerous fan dancing recordings on YouTube. These videos also assist you in learning the dance style and allow you to celebrate at home.
Fans are an extension of the dancer’s body and can metamorphose into various objects, such as a leaf, or communicate intangible elements of the dance, such as atmosphere or emotion.
Learning fan dance was a prerequisite for becoming a geisha.
The ‘Sensu’ fans used in the performance are more durable and ornate than those used for cooling off in hot weather.
Gankyo Nakamura was the first non-Japanese citizen permitted to perform Kabuki fan dance in Japan in 2017.
There are three essential components to fan dancing: time, body, and space. Time refers to the dancers moving slowly in time with the music; body means the dancers form organic and geometric shapes with the fans; and space refers to the dancers’ vertical movement on stage.
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 3 | Monday |
| 2024 | April 3 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | April 3 | Thursday |
| 2026 | April 3 | Friday |
| 2027 | April 3 | Saturday |
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