The 59th Kyo Odori 2008
The maiko Satonami performs in the opening scene with the geiko Chiyoe and Kanachisa.With the passing of a winter that was more severe than most, the now-greening mountains and perfumed winds seem particularly glorious. In this refreshing season graced by gentle spring sunlight, we are once again proud to present our annual Kyo Odori.
We would like to express our gratitude to all of you who found time in your busy schedules to attend today's performance, which begins with a song-accompanied dance performed by our charming geiko and maiko in a traditional Miyagawa-cho zashiki room. Then performance then goes on to portray in a poetic manner each of the four seasons in Kyoto, with the beauty of the scenes to be found on mountains and in plains depicted through evocative dance.
Much assiduous practice and rehersal has gone into this year's event. After having viewed the fruits of our labor, any comments that you might have on our performance would be greatly appreciated...
I hereby express, on behalf of everyone at the Miyagawa-cho Kabukai, the sincere hope that you enjoy the wonderful spectacle that is the 59th Kyo Odori.
(Excerpt from the Kyo Odori Program)
From left to right, maiko Kimiha, Satonami, and Miyoharu.
The maiko Satonami.
The maiko Tanewaka performs "A Brilliant Brocade of Chrysanthemums".
Kimiharu, little sister to one of Kyoto's most popular and beautiful maiko, Kimika.
Kikutsuru performs in Kyo Odori for the first time as a geiko after turning her collar in June of 2007.
In a scene from the Tale of Genji, the geiko Fumimari dances in Heian period robes as Ukifune.
The celebrated dancer Fumicho performs her solo, a constant in the Kyo Odori program.
The geiko Chizuru as an Edo period courtesean in "The Tale of Princess Takiyasha".
Maiko take center stage in a brilliant display of color, beauty, and grace during the Miyagawa-cho Ondo Song and Dance.
Pontocho Maiko : Spring 2008
Ichiemi, now a high ranking maiko in the Pontocho district, greets the mistress of a teahouse during a small cherry blossom festival along the Takase Canal.
Ichiemi looks every bit the stylish, sophisticated young woman in this stunning lavender kimono ensemble. Even her adorably child-like cheeks have thinned out.
Ichiharu
The long, fluttering strands cherry blossoms hanging from Shinaju's hanakanzashi, or flowered hair ornament, testify to her low rank and inexperience as a maiko, appealing instead to her youth and child-like charm. Compare it with Ichiharu's above, who is of a slightly higher rank.
Hisano, now a geiko, and Ichiemi walk beneath the lacey veil of cherry blossoms along the Takase canal as sunlight falls in playful patterns along the pavement.
As if Ichiemi's lavendar kimono wasn't enough. Coupled with this remarkable pastel obi, colored with the sweet, pastel pallet of spring, this ensemble quickly became my favorite this season.