Writing essay

Classical Ballet and Nihon-Buyo

Now, there are a lot of kinds of dances in the world. In the dances, there are two different types of dances: Classical ballet and Nihon Buyo. Classical ballet was originated in Italy, while Nihon Buyo was originated in Japan. There many differences between the two dance.
Classical ballet emerged in late 15 century Renaissance court of Italy as a dance interpretation of fencing, and further developed in the French court from the time of Louis XIV in the 17th century. This is reflected in Denmark and Russia. It was from Russia that it returned to Western Europe and subsequently the globe. The ballet successors were particularly injluential during this period. It has continued to draw on and be enriched by folk dance and local dance traditions. In the 20th century, ballet has continued to develop and has had a strong influence on broader dance.
Nihon Buyo is Japanese translation of “Japanese dance”. Nihon Buyo is established as one of dance genre in Japan and it is not general term for Japanese dance such as bon-dance or folk dance. It is said that Shoyo Tsubouchi created the word ”Buyo” by putting together “Mai” of West Japan and “Odori” of East Japan in Meiji era. Nihon Buyo has 3pillars. “Kabuki Buyo” (Buyo for Kabuki), and “Shinsaku and Sosaku Buyo” (new and creative Buyo), and “Goshugi Buyo” (Buyo for celebration)/ It adopts style of the times and keeps changing itself being inherited to the next generation.
One similarity between classical ballet and Nihon Buyo is that both dances have started in 17th century. While classical ballet was created in Louis XIV period, Nihon Buyo was created in Tokugawa period. Another similarity is that both dances were especially a female dancer, though now it has become common to call all dancers “ballet dancer”. On the other hand, a dancer who dances Nihon Buyo is called “Maiko”. Another similarity is that both dances are the performing arts. Both dances are performed on the stage and have audience.
There are also differences between them. Both dances have their own rules and established techniques. To be a ballerina, it has a lot of times and practices, but for Nihon Buyo, if you practice it for about three years, you may have an instructor license.
The two dances are different in their styles. Classic dancer dances with her/his toes turned out, while Maiko dances with her toes pointed inward. It is very obvious difference. Moreover, Maiko often dances with a folding fan, but ballet dancers don’t except for some ballet work such as “Don Quixote”.
In conclusion, classic ballet and Nihon Buyo have both similarities and differences. It is very interesting that utterly different types of dance which were originated in different countries and different ways have some similarities. Both dances have been loved and now many people still love and perform them. How about going to watch the two dances and have a nice time?