CA Social Studies Curriculum 6th grade history of Japan

Use small steps as if dressed in tight kimono (use kimonos if possible). Teach hands or feet first and then combine the two.

This dance is traditionally performed at Obon the feast of the dead.

Part one drawing a picture of Fujisan (Mt. Fuji)

Hand Movements:

Beats 1-2: clap hands in front of chest

Beat 3: sweep hands down and out to sides

Beat 4: sweep hands up to front of chest and clap

Foot movements:

Beat 1: R forward

Beat 2: L forward

Beat 3: R forward

Beat 4: L backward and R close to L

Part two paddling

Hand Movements:

Beat 1: move palms backward on L side as though paddling a boat

Beat 2: repeat with R

Beat 3: shade eyes with L palm and L ear and R arm extended in front, palm forward

Beat 4: repeat with R and L again, double time

Foot movements:

Beat 1: L forward

Beat 2: R forward

Beat 3: L forward

Beat 4: R forward and L forward (last count is double time)

Part three the tree

Hand Movements:

Beats 1-2: facing diagonal R touch fingertips with palms down about thigh level and arms rounded, swoop arms up to touch fingertips above head with palms facing ceiling

Beats 3-4: repeat facing diagonal L

Foot movements:

Beat 1: R forward with knee bent turning out of circle to diagonal R

Beat 2: touch L foot to R ankle and straighten knees

Beat 3: L forward with knee bent turning our of circle to diagonal L

Beat 4: touch R foot to L ankle and straighten knees

Part four brushing

Hand Movements:

Beats 1-2: with R arm bent and palm facing your cheek, L hand brushes kimono sleeve below R elbow 3 times

Beat 3-4: with L arm repeat the above on opposite sleeve.

Foot movements:

Beat 1-2: step RLR in a clockwise circle

Beats 3- 4: step LRL in a counter-clockwise circle