"Dear friends and patrons,
Its been 11 years since we had our first Kyo Odori performance, and as much as I wanted back then to show you a window into the Karyukai, I wish today to share with you some of the Traditional atmosphere that we study here in Kyoto Kagai SL - On behalf of the Hanafusa Okiya and Komayaka Okiya I welcome you to the 2022 Kyo Odori "
Geiko Kikuyuu, Okaasan of Hanafusa okiya
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 and Onshukai, performed by Maiko and Geiko from Gion Kobu distrit 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 grand annual public odori (apart from other smaller odori): Kyo odori in April and Mizuekai in October. The creators, writers and designers are members of Hanafusa and Komayaka.To bring this 1.5 hour performance takes several months of preparations and rehearsals - all 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.
🌸This years performers: Komayaka Okiya: Okaasan Geiko Toshiha, Maiko Toshimomo, Minarai Geiko Toshinami, Minarai Toshiyue. Hanafusa okiya: Geiko Kikutsuru, Geiko Kikumaru, Geiko Kikune, Maiko Kikushino, Maiko Kikuyae
Now, lets look closely 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):
Tea ceremony: As part of the Kyo Odori, formal tea ceremony is performed for the guests and patrons. This year it is very special as Geiko Toshiha was otemae - the host who performs the tea ceremony. The role of ohikae, assistant at the tea ceremony who helps serve tea and sweets, was performed by Maiko Toshimomo and Maiko Kikuyae.
Act 1 "Harusame"
Harusame means spring rain. This dance tells us about love of a woman and her longing to finally reunite with her beloved one.
🌸Choreographed by Maiko Kikushino
Act 2 "Hanami"
Every year, Japan shines in the many colours of the sakura blossom, giving the people a time to celebrate together under the blooming trees, enjoying the view and fragrances together. Part of every year's hanami are the geikos and maikos of Kyoto and the other Hanamachi, wearing colourful kimonos and kanzashi, completing the colourful experience in Japan's parks. And yet, this colours won't bloom for eternity, as too soon their falling will begin, leaving the trees without their precious sakura... until in one year, hanami will greet us again
🌸Written and Choreographed by Maiko Kikuyae
Act 3 "Ayame Yukata"
For the first time in Second Life Kyo Odori the Geiko and Maiko of Miyagawacho will perform the Ayame Yukata, with Jiikata Geiko and Maiko accompanying with their talented musical skills.
🌸 Choreographed by Geiko Toshiha
This is a tale about old days in Japan when either by the result of constant wars or famine, food was in short supply. The local War Lord demands more rice from his tenants, taking what meagre grain they posses, and an old woman fears she has become a burden on her family and requests that she be taken to the mountain and left there to be one less mouth to feed , to die.
The son sadly carries out her request but is torn with guilt and cannot leave her so he decides to carry her back home and deal with the consequences ..
🌸Written and Choreographed by Maiko Kikushino
Act 7 "Matsu Zukushi"
In their finest formal silk kimonos the Geiko and Maiko of Miyagawacho is performing this difficult yet beautiful dance, that holds an Auspicious meaning.
🌸Choreographed by Maiko Kikushino
Act 8 "Miyagawa Ondo"
This is the Traditional ending to the Kyo Odori performance. All the Performers meet on stage in a colorful and "cheerful" rhythmic dance.
🌸Choreographed by Geiko Toshiha
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