The Japanese dance is of the greatest importance and interest historically. Like her civilisation and the greater number of her arts, Japan borrowed her dance from China, though the genius of her people very soon developed many new forms of dances, quite distinct from the Chinese importation. From the earliest times dancing has been closely associated with religion in both the Shinto and the Buddhist faiths we find it occupying a foremost place in worship. The Buddhist priests in the thirteenth century, men of learning and enlightenment.