Atabari

Atabari [あたばり; also known as atabari-yoi] is a form of traditional dance originating from the Summui islands. Atabari is an umbrella term, referring to a general style of dance which has many regional varieties. The most well-known style, known as kangan-atabari, originates from the city of Kanatari in southern Zōhai Prefecture.
Atabari is usually performed by troupes made up of 5 to 10 dancers; smaller groups are very uncommon, although larger 'mob-style' dances are commonly seen during festivals. It is often accompanied by singing, and almost always aims to tell a story of some kind, often a traditional fable which has been passed down through generations. These tales are known as atabari-otoi in Sunpaku. The subject matter can often be crude and bawdy, aiming to induce good humour and cheerfulness in the audience.
== Etymology ==
The name atabari comes from the Sunpaku onomatopeia atata meaning 'tapping' or 'beating', and the word bari, which is an archaic term for 'feet' which now means 'sole' or 'heel' depending on context. Therefore, the literal meaning of the name could be translated as 'tapping one's feet', a fairly accurate description of atabari's style. Regionally, it is also known by a number of different vernacular names, and furthermore each different type of atabari dance may have its own distinct name in each dialect. 
== Varieties ==
There are at least four main types of atabari which are regularly practiced and performed today:
* Kangan-atabari: characterised by its dancers' nimble footwork, exaggerated facial expressions and loud, rousing singing. Originated in the region of modern-day Kanatori. Kangan is a nonsense word possibly related to kangaku, 'to make fun [of]'. 
* Dochi-atabari: this type of dance originates in the south of modern-day Uchi Prefecture and is known for only being performed at nighttime under the illumination of traditional oil lanterns.
* Yarai-atabari: also known as inaa-yoi, the name of this dance translates as 'elegance' or 'grace'. It originated as part of the Summui coming-of-age ceremony banami, and was performed by newly matured girls to flaunt their youthful beauty. It is still only performed by women now.
* Shizai-atabari: roughly the male equivalent of the above, shizai-atabari is an aggressive and powerful dance performed by young men.
Many other varieties of atabari are still practiced regionally; however, a great number have been lost in time.