By KENSAKU NISHIDA / Staff Writer
March 20, 2023 at 07:00 JST
Geisha and "maiko" apprentice geisha from the Gion Kobu traditional entertainment district unveil their costumes for the "Miyako Odori" dance in Kyoto's Higashiyama Ward on Feb. 22. (Kensaku Nishida)
KYOTO--Geisha and "maiko" apprentice geisha from four major "kagai" traditional entertainment districts here will showcase their annual spring dance performances for the first time in four years after anti-virus measures were eased.
The ancient capital's spring tradition will kick off with the 71st "Kitano Odori" dance performed by geisha and maiko, collectively known as "geimaiko," from the Kamishichiken district.
The performances will run at the Kamishichiken Kaburenjo Theater in Kamigyo Ward from March 20 to April 2, during which two shows will be presented each day.
Geimaiko from Gion Kobu, Kyoto's largest geisha district, will offer the 149th "Miyako Odori" dance to celebrate the reopening of the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater in the city's Higashiyama Ward, which underwent earthquake-resistance upgrades.
The performances will run from April 1-30, during which three shows will be presented every day.
The 73rd "Kyo-Odori" dance will be offered by geimaiko from the Miyagawacho district from April 1-9, during which three shows will be given each day.
The venue will be the Kyoto Art Theater, which stands on the grounds of Kyoto University of Arts and Design in the city's Sakyo Ward, for two consecutive years since 2022 because their kaburenjo theater is being replaced.
Geisha and maiko from the Pontocho district will have the honor of closing the spring dance festival.
They will present the 184th "Kamogawa Odori" dance at the Pontocho Kaburenjo Theater in the city's Nakagyo Ward from May 1-24.
Although details will be announced at a later date, it will likely celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first presentation of the dance.
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