How to dance?
So how do you dance “Awa Odori”, you ask?
Please consider joining us on our lessons (please see schedule for details)
Otherwise, check out the following videos to teach yourself!
Otoko Odori (Male Dance) How-to video by Akina sensei (Simplified)
If you are new to Awa Odori, please try this first. It is much more simplified and easier. It is also suited for casual dancers to check their basic. Trust us, you look much better after this video.
Otoko Odori (Male Dance) How-to video by Akina sensei
Onna Odori (Female Dance) How-to video by Katie sensei, Azusa sensei and Shoko sensei
Awa Odori with Fan demo by Akina
Chanting
Chanting is part of the fun about Awa Odori. When you get kind of tired, the word “Yatto-sa-” magically re-energize you. So here is the collections of “Chanting we use at Awa Odori Chicago. Please memorize’em all and have fun together!
1) (Leader) Yatto-sa- & (followers) Yatto yatto
(リーダー）ヤットサ～ ＆ （皆さん）ヤットヤット:
It is very basic chant heard in every Awa Odori group. What does it mean? I have no idea. But we use it to start the dance, during the dance all the time.
2) (Leader) Motto fure, Motto fure & (followers) Motto fure, Motto fure
(リーダー）もっと振れ、もっと振れ ＆ （皆さん）もっと振れ、もっと振れ:
This one is often used when the team is getting tired. It means, “Swing more!, Swing more!” Basically, it means “Get your smile and keep dancing!”
3) (Leader) Odoru Ahou ni Miru Ahou
(followers) Onaji Aho nara Odoranya son son
(リーダー）踊る阿呆に見る阿呆
(皆さん）同じ阿呆なら踊らにゃソンソン
Although this phrase is very famous phrase (explained more here), our instructors claim they have not heard this as chanting at where they come from. But here in Chicago, we have decided to use it as chanting to invite spectators to join us.
Otoko Odori (male dance) – Though it is labeled “male dance”, this dance style is unisex and both male and female enjoy this style.
(Video courtesy of Tokushima-city Tourism Association)
Onna Odori (female dance) – more elegant style enjoyed mainly by female dancers.
(Video courtesy of Tokushima-city Tourism Association)
See how we progressed in only 30-45 minutes on first time lesson?
Practice music – Zomeki perfect for your practice.
Ichi Byoushi (1 beats) Suitable for everyday lesson.
一拍子：早いテンポで、踊りの動きも早くなるので、佳境、盛り上がり時に使われます
(Music is courtesy of Bikkuri-Ren of Koenji. 楽曲提供：高円寺びっくり連)
Ni Byoushi (2 beats) Suitable for everyday lesson.
二拍子：通常の練習時に適しています。
(Music is courtesy of Bikkuri-Ren of Koenji. 楽曲提供：高円寺びっくり連)