Shōdan in Okina
Senzai-no-mai
The performance of Senzai’s two dances features the three kotsuzumi drums in strict rhythmic setting and a non-congruent nohkan part. These short, dynamic dances incorporate upper-body movements accentuated by swirling sleeves and pointing gestures, combined with lower-body motions characterized by stamping.
The kotsuzumi part supports the first dance with a three-beat pattern, introduced in the Senzai Song 1.
It supports the second dance, with a two-beat pattern “ta – po”, set over a four-beat kakegoe pattern–the same pattern found in Senzai Song 2. It is also used in Momidashi:
The nohkan supports both dances with its Senzai-no-mai pattern, which comprises four phrases. All four phrases are performed in the first dance, while only the first two are used in the second. The register of the opening motives of each phrase outlines a descending shape: the first phrase ‘O-hya’ begins in the high register; the second ‘Hi-ya’ is in the middle; the third ‘Hi-u’ is in the lower; and the fourth ‘Ho-hya’ concludes in the lowest register.