How do you learn Yosakoi?
In Japan, there are many Yosakoi teams, from university clubs to local community-based groups. Normally each team will create their own music, costumes and choreography. Anyone can join a team and usually no prior dance experience is required. Sometimes you can find three generations of the same family in one team!
Apart from the original dances created by each team, there are a number of Sō-odori which are dances that all teams can learn and perform together, usually at the end of a festival or a competition.
What does 'Yosakoi' mean?
The name “Yosakoi” is often said to mean “come tonight” and is taken from the traditional Japanese folk song Yosakoi Bushi. However, nowadays when hearing the word “Yosakoi” most people would not take it to mean anything other than the type of the dance.