Maiko Dance: Mameyuri and Katsuyuki

Maiko Mameyuri and Katsuyuki, of Gion Kobu Hanamachi in Kyoto, Japan, dance at Gion Corner, a place where tourist can watch maiko perform.

To learn more about Maiko and Geiko, please visit the TsurukoMaiko Forum.

http://tsurukomaiko.freeforums.org/index.php

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Maiko
• Geiko
• Geisha
• Mameyuri
• Katsuyuki
• Gion
• Kobu
• Hanamachi
• Japan
• Kyoto
• Higashiyama

[eburel506]

Ok one thing I have never understood. I think geisha dancing is just plan beautiful. But why do they always seem to have such blank expressions on their face when they dance. I saw a maiko doing this same dance and she almost looked bored at one part.

[DameDiabolique]

@eburel506 In Nihon Buyo, Japanese Traditional Dance, there is no facial expression. Expression is through little things like the way your eyes move, your hands, and your body. They may look bored but to someone who has been watching them for a long time, it is actually graceful.

[minnesotagirl]

I think this dance is going to be my favourite :)

[osbourn15]

They look like two little butterflies. ^_^

[eburel506]

@XamiNaxamis well.....I have also heard geishas discribed as living flowers and parties.......it would be hard and weird for them to socialize if they wore masks.

[DameDiabolique]

@XamiNaxamis You really need to learn more about the traditional culture of Japan. The Geisha have NEVER worn mask. Everything is done in a certain way for a reason. Geishas have to paint their faces and wear their makeup a certain way because back in the 16th century when the profession started, there was no electricity, only candle light and it was better for the customers to see them this way. Also this is also the traditional makeup for Geisha and Kabuki/Noh Theater.

[XamiNaxamis]

@eburel506 your welcome :D. You have to wonder, though, why they didn't just buy masks :P

[eburel506]

@XamiNaxamis ok that makes sense I have heard of their white makeup refered to as a mask. Thank you for answering all of my questions (bows).

[XamiNaxamis]

@eburel506 Its meant to look like a mask, with only the eyes moving through the "eye holes".

[eburel506]

ok I want Katsuyuki's kimono (drooooool).

[eburel506]

@DameDiabolique oh ok thank you I always wonder about that. So its evoking emotion through movement not facal expression ok I get it now.

[DameDiabolique]

@DameDiabolique Anyone with more knowledge feel free to comment. I would recommend anyone visit Immortal Geisha Forums to learn alot about the culture and be inspired to one day go and visit for yourself. The link is in the description.

[DameDiabolique]

@eburel506 Each district is taught a different style of Kyomai, a version of Nihon Buyo that stemmed from Kabuki when they banned women from performing in Kabuki theatre. The school that these maiko study is the Inoue school, led by Yachiyo Inoue IV. Gion Kobu is considered the elite amongst the geisha in all of japan because of their style of dance and level of prestige. Yachiyo Inoue III was the only woman to be considered a national living treasure before she died in 2004.