Miyako Odori – Miyako Dance
Miyako Odori is one of four wonderful spring shows in Kyoto, Japan. Dances, songs and theatrical productions are performed by maiko and geiko of Gion district (one of the famous geisha districts).
The dances draw from classical Japanese culture and incorporate everyday life and folk elements, for example from Tales of Genji (Genji monogatari).
Miyako Odori takes place three times a day, from April 1 to 24 at the Gion Kōbu Kaburen-jo theater near Yasaka Shrine. Miyako Odori was first held in 1872 and is part of the heart of cultural life in Kyoto. This event attracts a lot of tourists because it is not easy to meet geisha like maiko or geiko.
Miyako Odori is usually divided into 8 acts, before that Miyako Odori performances can have more or less than the standard 8 acts.
The first performance with similar decoration each year includes a silver screen showing a room depicting the imperial palace, where traditional dances would be performed during the Edo period. Meiko and geiko in blue Miyako kimono will walk from either side of the theater and say "Miyako Odori wa Yoiyasa" which means "Let's start dancing the cherry blossom dance".
Each act is stories that change every year but with the 8th or final act is when all the geiko and maiko come together on stage as a finale. The repertoire may be influenced by current affairs or political events.
If you come to Japan in general and Kyoto in particular on this occasion, you should not miss the opportunity to meet the wonderful geisha in Japan. Miyako Odori only takes place in April.
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