Dance – Tachikata

Of the arts that Geisha perform dance is probably the best known due to the proliferation of public performances. Geisha are classed by the arts that they master in the course of their training. Geisha dedicated to dance are called tachikata (dance) geisha.

Dances are performed to traditional music performed by a fellow geisha or jikata (musician), telling stories of love, sorrow and nature. The geisha will use her kimono, body and props such as fans to intimate the flowing of a brook or the rustling of leaves in a tree.

Dances vary amongst the hanamachi. In Gion Kobu they learn a style of dance derived from Noh called Shimai. Other Kyoto hanamachi have their own styles which are said to be influenced heavily by Kabuki. Fujima in Gion Hagashi, Onoue in Ponto-cho, Wakayagi in Miyagawa-cho and Hanayagi in Kamishichiken.

Another popular dance style for geisha and maiko is Nihon Buyo a type of classical Japanese dance – graceful and flowing. The master of Nihon Buyo aims to perfect body forms collated from a range of historical dance styles include bugaku – a ceremonial dance form of the Imperial Court and nohgaku – originating from Noh theatre and its origins.

Jikata Kosen and Geiko Kikumaru dance to “Ritsu” in Kyoto Jan 1 2013

Geisha will perform dances at formal banquets, tourist performances and