Awa Odori New York Ren was established in 2019 by the collaboration of Tokushima Kenjin Kai (Tokushima Prefecture Association) and Japan Performing Arts, Inc. Awa Odori New York Ren introduces Awa Odori in the United States.
Awa Odori is a Bon Odori from Tokushima Prefecture, which is the most famous Bon Odori in Japan.
It is said that there are approximately 1000 Rens (groups) in Japan and they gather to perform their dances from August 12th to the 15th every year in Tokushima.
Awa Odori is regarded as one of the Big Thee Bon Odori dances along with Nishimonai Bon Odori of Akita and Gujo Odori from Gifu. It is a beautiful and energetic dance with approximately 400 years of history.
Unlike the typical circular dance formation of other Bon Odori, Awa Odori is famous for its procession style. Its style was developed out of the necessity because Tokushima City is made out of many small islands (i.e. no plaza space to form a circle) by the soil brought by Yoshinogawa River. The currently popular dance format was developed by a female dancer in mid-Showa era who determined its distinct style.
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