Kabuki, a popular form of Japanese drama, originated in 1603, when a woman named Okuni began performing a new style of dance that became instantly popular. In the wake of her success, rival troupes((俳優などの)一座) quickly formed, and kabuki evolved into an ensemble dance performed by women-a form much different from its modern incarnation. In 1629, women were banned from the stage and men assumed their roles, placing more of an emphasis on theater than dance.