bugaku

[ boo-gah-koo ]

noun

1. a classical Japanese dance of Chinese origin, originally designed as entertainment for the imperial palace: performed exclusively by men, who serve as both dancers and musicians.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bugaku¹

< Japanese < Middle Chinese, equivalent to Chinese wǔ dance + yuè music; gagaku

Example Sentences

Abarca-Mitchell was the first Black prima ballerina for a major company, performing works like Balanchine’s “Agon” and “Bugaku” and William Dollar’s “Le Combat” to raves.

From New York Times

Balanchine supported the enterprise by giving his ballets gratis, including Agon, Concerto Barocco, Prodigal Son and Bugaku.

From The Guardian

Today, the older participants of the Dainichido Bugaku festival are working hard to educate young people about the traditions.

From New York Times

Three years after that earthquake, the orchestra makes its United States debut under the direction of Eiji Oue in a program that includes Stravinsky’s seismic “Rite of Spring” as well as two works by the Japanese composers Toshiro Mayuzumi’s “Bugaku” and Kiyoshige Koyama’s “Kobiki-Uta.”

From New York Times

Then halfway through this opening paragraph, she writes that “ ‘Bugaku’ is unusual for its expression of sexual violence.”

From New York Times