Sandan no Mai

It is one of the Noh and Kyogen dances. When a Shitetsute or a child performer dances Naka no Mai, it is officially called “Sandan no Mai” because it dances in three stages from five stages. Especially when the celestial maiden (tennyo) Tsure dances, it is called “Tennyo no Mai”.  There are two types of Sandan no Mai, one is a large and small items played with flute. Small drum, and large drum and other is taiko items with taiko drum but tennyo no mai is always a taiko drum item. In addition, “Sandan no Mai”, is which Kyougen dances, emphasizes the congratulatory nature and is found not only in the Kyougen “Mochishu”, “Saruto” etc. but also in the end of the Kyougen that the god may dance. A taiko drum item imitates Noh’s Sandan no Mai and it is a witty item.