What is the name of the sacred dance performed at Shinto shrines? Kagura is the sacred ceremonial dance and music offered to kami at Shinto shrines.
Kagura is not one fixed choreography. It is a broad family of performances that can include dancing, singing, instrumental music, masks, costumes, and dramatic storytelling. Some forms are performed by shrine maidens, while others involve priests, local communities, or specialized performers.
Its legendary origin is connected with the myth of Amaterasu. When the sun goddess hid in a cave, plunging the world into darkness, Ame-no-Uzume performed a lively dance outside. The other kami’s laughter and commotion encouraged Amaterasu to emerge, restoring light. Kagura is traditionally understood as developing from this divine performance.
Imperial kagura, or mikagura, is performed at the imperial court, while many regional forms remain tied to agricultural festivals and local shrine traditions. Gagaku is court music, whereas Kabuki and Noh are theatrical genres; none is the general name for this Shinto sacred dance tradition.