Kyo Odori 2021 at Kyoto Kagai sim

This year was also extremely special for Kyoto Kagai sim and Kyo Odori because the new okiya took part in the production process. The name of the okiya is Komayaka and it's representatives at Kyo odori were 2 Geiko - Okaasan geiko Toshiha (head of the okiya) and Geiko Mieha. 

For those who do not know, every Hanamachi (geiko district) in Kyoto has several main annual dance performances - one takes place in spring and one in autumn. Most famous of all is possibly the Miyako odori, performed by Maiko and Geiko from Gion Kobu Hanamachi but I insist that every odori of any hanamachi is worth witnessing!

In SL, Miyagawacho Hanamachi of Kyoto Kagai sim continues the RL tradition by holding two annual public odori (apart from other smaller odori): Kyo odori in April and Mizuekai in October. To bring You a 1.5 hour performance takes several months of preparations and rehearsals - everything to provide the audience with the highest level of hospitality. Every move of the fan, every poem, every story - all this comes sincerely from the hearts of the performers and we hope that all our guest get to feel it.

Now, lets have a closer look at this years Kyo odori (every year the theme and acts change so previous odori and the odori that will come in future years will be different):

Peformers: Geiko Toshiha (Komayaka okiya), Geiko Kikutsuru (Hanafusa okiya), Geiko Kikumaru (Hanafusa okiya), Geiko Mieha (Komayaka okiya), Maiko Kikune (Hanafusa okiya), Maiko Kikushino (Hanafusa okiya).

Tea ceremony

Tea ceremony is part of Kyo odori and is performed for guests and patrons before the performance. This year the role of otemae or the person who was preparing tea and utensils belonged to Maiko Kikune. 

The role of ohikae, assistant at the tea ceremony who helps serve tea and sweets, was performed by maiko from Hanafusa okiya - Maiko Kikushino.

After tea ceremony finished, guests were welcomed into the performance hall.

Act 1 : "Maiko no Sakura sama"

Maiko san gathering in front of the large sakura at Maruyama park, greeting Spring welcome

🌸 Written and Choreographed by Geiko Kikumaru

Act 2: "Haru no Hi"

With fans of silver and red they enter the stage wearing their most formal outfits, putting words to what makes Spring special to them

🌸Poems written by all Hanafusa okiya Geiko and Maiko, choreographed by Maiko Kikune

Act 3 and Act 4: "Saigyo and the Cherry tree"

A kabuki play that tells a story  about Saigyo (famous Japanese poet of the Late Heian period) and a mystical event that once happened to him during Springtime

🌸 Written and choreographed by Maiko Kikushino

Act 5: "Oneesan wa Kyoto"

"Being a Geiko is already a great responsibility, but what happens when a Geiko also becomes an oneesan ("older sister", mentor) ?..."

🌸 Written and choreographed by Geiko Kikumaru

Act 6: "Miyagawa ondo"

Miyagawa ondo, the traditional ending of Kyo odori, Geiko and Maiko in their bright spring costumes welcome Spring in front of the Miyagawacho Kaburenjo theater. This year the dance was created from scratch by Geiko Toshiha and also performed for the first time!

🌸Created and Choreographed by Geiko Toshiha