KYOTO Geisha and maiko apprentices danced before some 600 guests on March 31 after wrapping up lessons for the Miyako Odori annual spring dance show starting at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo theater on April 1.
The show, which has a history of 150 years, will be held at its usual venue this year for the first time in seven years following the theater's renovation. Since it was built in 1913, the Kaburenjo theater in the old capital's Gion Kobu hanamachi entertainment district has been the venue for the Miyako Odori shows, but it closed in 2016 due to earthquake reinforcement. As a nationally recognized tangible property, the structure was fortified while preserving the building's internal and external appearances.
After the curtain rose on March 31, eight maiko dancers appeared each from two hanamichi runways to the left and right of the stage, accompanied by the chants Miyako Odori waa and Yo iya saa. 39 geisha and maiko danced elegantly on stage during the finale.
The Miyako Odori shows will be held three times a day from April 1 to April 30.