Eisa
Eisa is a truly unique and colorful dance of Okinawa. Eisa is a traditional dance designed to honor ancestors during the Obon season in August. Eisa movements have evolved from Karate Kata (steps/movements) to include small hand drum and large taiko drums.

Ukanshin-udui
This is classic style dance that was used to entertain visiting emperors from China. There are 5 types of this dance: Elder's dance, Young People's Dance, Women's Dance, Men's dance and Uchigumi-odori where men and women dance together.

Zo-odori
Is a bright free rhythm & movement dance.

Kumi-odoria
A musical drama which music, dance & rhymed speech.

Kacha'shi
This is a very informal free flowing dance where Okinawa people in the audience of an Eisa performance join in with the celebration and dance amongst the Eisa Dancers. It involves an upward twirling of the hands and with alternating hand movements. It usually accompanies the end of an Eisa performance.

To see Eisa Videos,
click here

To learn more about
Ryukyuan Dance
Click Here

To see a live dance performance visit the Okinawa National Theatre there are three performances in Oct, the 17th, 24th and the 31st all begin at 7pm. For directions to the theatre, click here