How are the costumes and movements of bugaku dances organized?
In the context of bugaku, the organization of costumes and movements is defined by the dance's classification into two primary repertoires, which are differentiated by their geographical origins and stylistic traditions.12
Costume Organization
The costumes are categorized by the specific repertoire to which the dance belongs:
* Sahō no mai (Dances of the Left): These dances, accompanied by tōgaku (music derived from China), typically feature costumes in shades of blue or green.12
* Uhō no mai (Dances of the Right): These dances, accompanied by komagaku (music from Korea), are traditionally costumed in red or orange.12
Movement Organization
Bugaku movements are highly stylized and follow a formal structure:
* Choreography: Performances are typically executed by groups of four, six, or eight male dancers who move in deliberate, stately steps. The choreography is organized into simple geometric patterns, with dancers repeating movements in the four cardinal directions.21
* Cues and Style: All movements are conventionalized and cued by the beat of a drum.1
* Structure: A composition is organized into a three-part structure known as jo-ha-kyū, which consists of an introduction, a development or "scattering" phase, and a final section that speeds up.2