Dance in Shinto: Mystery Embodied in Movement In Shinto, the ancient Japanese religion, dance (Japanese mai, 舞) is not just an art form, but a sacred ritual, a means of communication with the kami (gods or spirits). Its purpose is not to provide aesthetic pleasure for the audience, but to participate in the cosmic order, attract grace, pacify the elements, and express gratitude. Here, dance is a prayer in motion, a visible embodiment of an invisible force. Origins and Mythology The roots of ritual dance go to the very heart of Shinto mythology. According to the text of the "Kojiki" (eighth century), the mother of dance is the goddess Amaterasu. When the sun goddess Amaterasu hid in a cave, plunging the world into darkness, Amaterasu performed an ecstatic, even erotic dance on an inverted jar. Her frenzy and rhythmic movements caused such a loud laugh from the assembled gods that the curious Amaterasu peeked out from her refuge, and light was returned to the world. This myth establishes dance as a cosmogonic act of importance, possessing the power to attract divine attention and restore harmony. Primary Types and Forms Ritual dances can be divided into two major categories: Kagura (神楽) — literally "entertainment for the kami". This is a general name for temple dances performed during festivals (matsuri). Kagura has two types: Mikagura — court kagura, strictly regulated, performed in the imperial palace or large shrines in honor of celestial deities. This is slow, majestic movement to the accompaniment of flutes, citrus, and ritual chants. Sato-kagura — "village kagura", more diverse and lively. It includes both ceremonial acts and vibrant performances with masks and costumes, depicting mythological themes or historical events. Kagura-mai — the actual dance part of the kagura ritual. Performers are often mikos (temple maidens, attendants) or specially trained priests. Mikos' movements are smooth, circular, using ritual objects: branches of the sacred sakaki tree, bell ... Read more