KYOMAI

There are two types of Japanese traditional dance: ODORI, which originated in the EDO period, and MAI, which originated in the western part of Japan. ODORI grew out of KABUKI drama and is more oriented toward male sentiments. MAI is traditionally performed in Japanese rooms instead of on the stage. It was influenced by the NOH DRAMA.

A variation of the MAI style of Japanese dance is the KYOMAI or KYOTO DANCE STYLE. KYOMAI developed in the 17th century TOKUGAWA cultural PERIOD. It is heavily influenced by the elegance and sophistication of the manners often associated with the Imperial Court in Kyoto.