| The Eisa Dance is one of the most heroic
and powerful dances in Okinawa. Dozens of
young men dance with the "paranku"
(a kind of snare drum) or bass drum while
music is played in the background. Many times
young women also join the dance with men
as well. The dance was named "eisa"
because of the voices shouting "eisa,
eisa" during the pause in each phrase.
Like the Ryukyu dance, the costume of the
Eisa Dance shows many different styles depending
on the location of the performance. Traditionally,
the Eisa Dance was a dance that accompanied
the Bon Festival, but now it is performed
all year around in Okinawa. |
(ocvb) |
|