This document provides instructions for performing the Japanese Parasol Dance, including objectives, costume, formation, music, and steps. The dance tells the story of Japanese girls using colorful parasols. It involves basic steps like shuffling forward and turning, as well as symbolic motions like bowing with the parasol. Performing the dance helps learn the culture and traditions of Japan.

1. Lesson Objectives:
1. To interpret Japanese Parasol Dance with the proper counting, costume and
formations;
2. To identify the basic steps and terminologies used in Japanese Parasol Dance;
and
3. To perform the basic steps and terminologies learned from the previous chapter.
This is a very colorful, easy dance for girls. It is customary with Japanese girls to use
umbrella for rain and sunshine.
COSTUME:
Girls - Bright color kimono, bright colored flowers in hair, a Japanese parasol, and
Japanese wooden shoes.
MUSIC - composed of three parts: A, B and C. The Music used here is “Mikado”.
COUNT - one, two to a measure or one, two, three, four to two measures.

2. FORMATION - In groups of four facing the audience. The open parasol is held
with two hands over the head, the hands holding the handle at
chest level. They stand about four feet away from each other. One
to any number of sets may take part in this dance.
O O O O O O O O
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
O O O O
1 2 3 4
ABBREVIATIONS USED
M – measure or measures
Ct. – count
Cts. – counts
L – left
R – right
Figure 1
Music A
(a) Starting with the R foot, execute shuffling steps forward. Twirl the parasol overhead
(8 cts.) (4 M)
(b) With shuffling steps turn around in place clockwise. Twirl the parasol over the R
shoulder (4 cts.) (2M)
(c) Repeat (b) turning counterclockwise. Transfer parasol to the L shoulder (4cts.) (2M)
(d) Turn right about and repeat (a) going to proper place. Twirl the parasol overhead.
Finish facing front (4M)
(e) Repeat (b) and (c) (4M)
Figure 2
Music B
(a) Step R sideward (ct. 1), step L close to R foot (ct.2), bend knees slightly (ct. 3),
straighten knees (ct. 4). Bend the head slightly to the right side, parasol resting on the
R shoulder (do not twirl) (2M)
(b) Repeat (a) to the left side, starting with the L foot. Transfer the parasol to the
Lshoulder (cts. 1-4) (2M)
(c) Repeat (a) and (b) (4M)
(d) With No.1 leading, execute shuffling steps moving clockwise. Each group makes its
own circle. Twirl parasol on the R shoulder (8 cts.) (4M)
(e) Turn right about and repeat (d) counterclockwise. Transfer parasol to the L shoulder
(4M).
Lesson 2: Japanese Parasol Dance (Japan)

3. Figure 3
Music C
(a) All bend forward and drop on knees. Place the parasol behind. Bend trunk slowly
forward until the head touches the floor (obeisance) (8cts.) (4M)
(b) Raise the trunk slowly and take parasol with both hands and place it in front (8 cts.)
(4M)
(c) In kneeling position, sit in heels (Japanese Fashion). Raise the head and look around
the parasol at the right side (4 cts.) and to left side (4 cts.)4M
(d) Repeat (c) (4M)
Figure 4
Music A
(a) Each girl rolls her own parasol around self clockwise ( 4cts.) and counterclockwise
(4cts.) (4M)
(b) Roll it in front to sideward right (2cts.), and to sideward left (2cts.)2M
(c) Repeat (b) (2M)
(d) Repeat (a) and (b) (6M)
(e) All take parasol and stand up with the R foot first (4cts.) (2M)
Figure 5
Music B
All face right, holding parasol with two hands at thigh level ( top toward the
audience, handle toward the rear).
(a) Execute shuffling steps forward, twirling parasol clockwise (4cts.) (2M)
(b) Turn left about, repeat (a), parasol top toward audience (4tcs) (2M)
(c) Turn right about, (a) and (b) (4M).
(d) Execute shuffling steps forward to form a square, each girl occupying a corner, facing
a common center (4M).
You can watch the video of the dance on the DVD presentation.
Lesson 2: Japanese Parasol Dance (Japan)

4. Practice Quiz:
Answer the following:
1. Write down the fundamental dance position of the arms and the feet used in this
dance.
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2. Enumerate the basic steps used in the dance and write their corresponding dance
patterns.
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3. Enumerate the dance terminologies that you have encountered in the dance then write
their step pattern.
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4. What is the symbol of the dance? Why?
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5. Does the dance show the culture of the Japanese? How?
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5. Shall We Dance!!! Lesson 2: Japanese Parasol Dance (Japan)
Perform the Japanese Parasol Dance in front of the class with music and
proper costume.
You can watch the video of the dance on the DVD presentation.
After the dance, answer the following checklist:
Questions: Yes No
1. Did you execute the basic steps accurately?
2. Did you follow the dance steps properly?
3. Have you felt the essence of the dance?
4. Did you perform the dance properly?
5. Did you love the dance?
After answering the checklist, write your conclusion about the dance and about your
performance.
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Lesson 2: Japanese Parasol Dance (Japan)