Joy

A few years ago, I wrote an article about Traditional Japanese Dance (ie. Nihon Buyo) for we60. At that time, I planned to apply for a professional qualification in Japan in two years and become a "Natori" (a performer recognized by the school, literally meaning 'awarding a name'). However, since 2020, Covid-19 has disrupted our lives, and going abroad has been a hassle. I will first introduce some background information about the Natori Examination in this article and then talk about my experience practicing Traditional Japanese Dance and becoming a Natori in the future.
 
Like the more familiar ballet exams, the Traditional Japanese Dance exams also have a grading system. Take "Wakayagi Ryu" among the five major schools as an example (I heard that there are hundreds of dance schools in Japan, but I am not sure about the practices of other schools). Each level of examination has several designated dances for test takers to choose from. Generally speaking, the teacher will choose an appropriate exam dance for you. Under the "Wakayagi Ryu" system, Natori is followed by "Shihan" (i.e. Master), which is the highest level. Only these two levels are awarded by the Iemoto (i.e. the head or principal of the school) at Kyoto headquarters. Besides Natori and Shihan, other levels are awarded by teachers recognized by the school. In terms of exams, you can take the exam at one level or skip grades. I skipped grades and went straight, taking the "Natori" exam. But of course, you cannot go straight to Shihan exam. You will have to have the Natori qualification first.
 
So what does it mean to be a Natori? Since you are a performer recognized by the school, in other words, you have officially joined the school and become a member of it. This also means a commitment to practice hard and tirelessly in your art. After becoming Natori, you will have a name awarded by the school, similar to the stage name everyone is familiar with. The name combination consists of the name of the school, the teacher's name and a name of your choice. Take my stage name, Koki Wakayagi, as an example. "Wakayagi" is the name of the school, "Ko" is the name of the teacher, and "Ki" is my self-chosen name; taking its meaning and wishing as a dancer will become more and more elegant. Many Japanese traditional arts have this tradition, so often, by looking at the name, you can guess who their teachers and classmates are. If a person with a level below Natori succeeds in the exam, they will be awarded a "Waka" by their teacher, which will be placed after their names. Take the name Fiona Chan as an example. After passing the Waka exam, she can use "Fiona Chan Waka" as a stage name.
 
So, how many years does it take to qualify for the Natori exam? There is no fixed term, but to obtain the qualification, you must first obtain the teacher's blessing, and then the teacher will register for the exam on your behalf. Unlike ordinary Japanese language tests, you can register for it voluntarily. If you fail to get the teacher's approval, you must keep practising until the teacher nods. I remember that after three years of practising Traditional Japanese Dance, I was determined to get the qualification, so I told my teacher that I had set the goal of becoming a "Natori" and hoped to switch from group lessons to private lessons. The teacher told me then that my skills could have been better, so I should practice hard first and see how things go in a few years.
 
Nothing can be achieved in one step; step by step is the only way to practice art. Dance is an exercise of skill and mind, and perseverance is an indispensable quality.
 
 
Dorothy
Traditional Japanese Dancer, Natori of Wakayagi Ryu
Culture and art lover