early kabuki dance
Refers specifically to the dance form that preceded modern kabuki, originating in the early Edo period.
Kabuki dance is said to have been started by Izumo no Okuni.
歌舞伎 refers to the broader theatrical art form that developed from 歌舞伎踊り, encompassing drama, music, and dance.
Standard full form for the early kabuki dance.
Abbreviated spelling, also used in historical contexts.
Compound of 歌舞伎 (kabuki, from 傾く 'to lean, to be unconventional') and 踊り (odori, 'dance'). The term originally described the avant-garde dance performances of the early 1600s.