Why do Japanese people use "odori" more oftenly instead of "mai"?

Question:

I was quite wondering...

Answer:

Originally "Odori" and "Mai" had different meanings, although both words are usually translated in a same English word "Dance".

"Odori" is more active like to jump, bounce and wave. It's image of Carnival Dances in Brazil.
"Mai" is more calm, like to stay one place to make slow spin, move another place without making any footstep sounds.... It's image of "Kabuki" or "Noh" dance.

People don't care this difference too much these days, but they unconsciously distinguish this differences.. Most of western style contemporary dances are sort of "Odori".