Dance

The Izanami Norito is a newly created prayer, born in 2022. It was born when the fragmented body of Izanami, at her tomb, was unified and merged with Izanagi.

Izanami is a goddess from Japanese mythology. She and her brother-husband, Izanagi, gave birth to the islands of Japan and many gods, making her the mother goddess of the nation. After giving birth to the fire god Kagutsuchi, she passed away from burns and was sealed in the land of Yomi for a long time.

By spreading and dancing the Izanami Norito, we aim to bring balance to a modern world that has become too focused on masculinity, where money and material possessions are valued more than life itself. Izanami is resurrected, and together with Izanagi, we seek to create a world of balance between masculinity and femininity, a world of both material and spiritual abundance.

The dance of the Izanami Norito is learned through a 90-minute Zoom lecture. Since it only involves hand gestures, even those who are not skilled in physical movement can easily participate.

The Great Purification Norito (Oharai Norito) is one of the prayers used in Shinto rituals. Originally, it was recited during the Oharai ceremony held at the end of June and December, to purify any sins or impurities unknowingly accumulated over the past six months. Today, the Great Purification Norito is chanted by worshippers during the Oharai ceremony, and it is also recited daily in shrines across Japan as a powerful purifying prayer.

In Shizuru Shinto Dance, we incorporate choreography into the Great Purification Norito. Even those with no prior dance experience can learn to perform the dance through 75-minute lessons over six Zoom sessions. The lessons are designed to be fun and informative, allowing participants to learn about the Norito while progressing in their dance.

The Heart Sutra (Hannya Shingyo) is a condensed version of the vast teachings of the Buddha, aimed at opening the path to enlightenment. Before the war in Japan, it was commonly recited in households, and it was even heard from homes while walking down the street. In ancient times, when people encountered situations beyond their control, they would recite the Heart Sutra to connect with the Buddha and the unseen, powerful forces of the universe. It was a way to calm the mind and find guidance for the days ahead.

Japan has long had invisible forces like these—words of power and spiritual practices—that have been passed down through the ages. Unfortunately, these practices have been fading in recent times. In Shizuru Shinto Dance, we aim to share and preserve these ancient spiritual traditions of Japan by introducing them through dance. This is the inspiration behind the creation of the Heart Sutra Dance.

The Heart Sutra Dance is designed to be learned through 75-minute Zoom lessons over six sessions. It is a dynamic and enjoyable dance, both to perform and to watch.

The number of dancers may vary depending on the place of offering or event venue. Therefore, during the lessons, we will review the choreography while practicing the formations and assigned parts for when dancing with multiple people.