Nihon Buyo (buyo means dance) is a refined form of traditional Japanese dance and has been improved over four centuries.

• Saturday 25

Nihon Buyo: Classical Japanese Dance

A stunning performance of classical Japanese dance from Hiroko Tanaka on the HYPER JAPAN main stage.

Nihon Buyo (buyo means dance) is a refined form of traditional Japanese dance and has been improved over four centuries. It was designed to perform on stage. Nihon Buyo is most strongly influenced by Kabuki buyo, but it was also influenced by Noh and folk dance. It takes circular movements and props from Noh, and spinning and jumping expressions from traditional folk dance. Major schools of Nihon Buyo are the Nishikawa, Fujima, Bando, Hanayagi, and Wakayagi schools, but new, smaller schools have been added more recently.

About the Hiroko Tanaka Nihon Buyo Group

Hiroko Tanaka was born and brought up in Kyoto. She began Nihon Buyo at the age of 6 and has been dancing now for nearly 60 years. She has been teaching the elegant Japanese dance form, Nihon Buyo, in London since 2003 and her students come from all backgrounds and nationalities. They include office workers, business people, chefs and actresses. The students showcase their skills in twice yearly reviews and are also glad to be able offer performances occasionally at public events. They love audience reaction to the dances of the Nihon Buyo tradition and the beautiful, vibrant, stage costumes are always popular.