Miyako Odori

I have a deep affinity for Japanese culture with a self imposed study for many years on their cuisine, customs, design traditions, textile arts, and horticulture.  When I traveled to Kyoto during the cherry blossom season, something there had always been a dream of mine to see, the Miyako Odori. This is the one time during the spring that the maiko and geiko (geisha as they are known in Kyoto), perform for the public. It takes years of training in dance, music and etiquette to become geisha. Only the privileged few get to appreciate their performing arts year round. The Miyako Odori is a special performance for the geiko community of the Gion Kobu. An entire ensemble of artists perform together in a historic theatre, not just a few being hired to perform in a tea house or small venue. The three lovely women in my work, “Miyako Odori” were maiko, that were part of the dance ensemble.