Skip to Main Content

Asian American Experience: Music and Dance

Asian American History and Heritage

Asian Music

 

Asia has a wide variety of musical styles, with many of them originating in Asian countries. Linearity (melodic tension & release), transparency, and meaningful words are three of the most prominent characteristics of Asian music.

  Melodies, instrumental focus, and low abstraction distinguish East Asian music.   One of the oldest and most complex musical traditions on the planet, East Asian music adopts instruments made from natural elements.

This video represents Tibetan Music, and you can read more about this charming music, here.

More Resources

Ask-A-Librarian

Cambodian Royal Court Dances

As a result of the varied cultures, religions, and traditions of Asia, there are many Asian folk dances inspired by old stories, tribal rituals, and religions. These dances contain numerous symbolic movements, patterns, and concepts telling a tradition or heritage handed down for generations. Dancers use their bodies, gestures, meaningful movements, and mesmerizing art forms to communicate with audiences.

Kumiodori: Traditional Musical Art From Japan

The Kumiodori is a word-music-dance musical theater. The Kumiodori was built to entertain Chinese diplomats known as Sapposhi in the early eighteenth century. It's a mash-up of Okinawan, Chinese, and Japanese dancing forms with elements of religious dances.

 

Mudangchum: Traditional Korean Shaman Dance

Mudangchum (무당춤) means a traditional Korean shaman dance. There are many varieties that reflect offerings and sacrifices to gods and ancestors. The movements include rhythmic gestures, chants,  and prayers. These rites are intended to foster well-being by encouraging spiritual and human commitment.

Korean Popular Music: K-Pop’s History

Korean popular music dates back to 1885, when Henry Appenzeller, an American missionary, began teaching American and British folk songs at a school called Changga. This style became popular after fans protested the censorship of the song “Regret of the Times" in 1996.

Gita Govinda: Hindus

The Hindu gods' songs are performed by dancers and musicians. This tells the love story of Krishna and Radha, and the dance has developed over thousands of years.