Prof. Higa Izumi from the Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts (OPUA) ran a two-week class on traditional Ryukyu dance at TNUA, and staged a performance together with students in January.
Prof. Higa, who teaches at the OPUA's Faculty of Music, performed several traditional Ryukyu dances together with students from the TNUA Department of Dance on January 6 after completing the two-week class.
During her stay, Prof. Higa not only taught the students the skills of the Ryukyu traditional dance, but also gave a lecture on how the form of dance has embraced both the tradition and new elements.
She said the Kingdom of Ryukyu – now Okinawa – has a unique culture and its dance reflects its religious and social beliefs.
Prof. Higa pointed out that the traditional Ryukyu dance has evolved from a court dance to its present form after the kingdom became part of Japan in 1879. Many folk elements have enriched the dance over the years.
Following the end of the Second World War, the dance has also taken up the role as a form of art which brings comfort and encouragement, and which expresses a yearning for peace.
She described her stay at TNUA as a "precious" experience.