The Gujo Dance Workshop 2024
The Center for Japanese Language and Culture hosted the "Gujo1 Dance Workshop 2024" in the center's Japanese tatami-mat room on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. The Gujo Dance is one of the traditional local performing arts designated as significant intangible folk cultural asset in Japan (also designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in November 2022). Approximately 30 international students from China, France, India, Poland, South Korea, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam enjoyed the opportunity to experience one of the traditional Japanese performing arts.
Before the workshop's opening members of a kimono dressing group from Mino City, Gifu Prefecture assisted students in dressing in the summer kimonos they had chosen. The students appeared very excited as they selected their kimonos and tried them on.
Three instructors from Gujo City were invited to teach students how to dance. During the workshop, students practiced two dances; "Kawasaki" and "Harukoma," both of which are the most popular pieces in Gujo Dance. The students closely studied the hand and foot movements demonstrated by the instructors and worked hard to master the dancing. Even during breaks, they continued teaching each other to improve their performances and practiced together. At the end of the workshop, the instructors were very impressed with the smooth performances of every student.
Six students were chosen by the instructors as "Most Enthusiastic Students" for their strong passion and sincere efforts in dancing. The instructors presented them with small gifts associated with Gujo.
The "Gujo Dance Workshop 2024" provided international students with another invaluable opportunity to experience Gifu and Japan firsthand. Gifu University continues to serve as a venue for cross-cultural experiences for people in Japan and around the world.
1)Gujo is located in west-central Gifu Prefecture.
