During Obon, festival-goers perform folk dances called bon odori. These folk dances began as a Buddhist practice, but have become secularized and are now associated with the Japanese summer festival season. Each region in Japan has a unique dance; there are even diasporic dances in communities abroad including Brazil and the United States.

Learn about the history of bon dance – and practice for the Philadelphia Obon Festival – on Sunday, August 11. Practice will take place outside of Shofuso from 1:30 – 4:30 PM. Come back on August 24th to enjoy dancing together in the festival (rain date August 25th).

Participants are advised to wear comfortable athletic clothing and shoes. No previous dance experience is necessary.