Dance of 'Maiko' in Kyoto, Japan

[luvJesusInHeavn]

The song is a traditional ballad called "Gion Kouta". It describes the beauty of the four seasons in the Kyoto district Gion as well as its geisha, which Gion is famous for. As for the gestures of the dance, she's "acting out" the words of the song; at 0:49 when she folds her arms and holds out one sleeve, at that point the lyrics say, "My secret love is for your long-sleeved kimono." At 1:10 she turns around to display her elaborate obi while the woman sings, "Oh pretty darari obi." (^w^)

[gillidragon]

Maiko-san has both lips painted. She's second year going into her third. The kanzashi on her left side is of medium length which means she's at least second year and her collar is almost fully white. If she were a first year, her collar would be mostly red and the kanzashi would go down past her chin.

[Randomweirdogirl]

She has a remarkable self control, as someone who learn dancing before, I know it is harder to dance with small movements right on beat than larger movements, and also to dance with these clothes, you must practice a lot to not fall down, great skills

[evasmiljanic]

Honestly it seems like an understated dance but it's difficult. She's in a half-crouch for 4 minutes, the amount of length strength necessary is unreal

[jenniexbunnies]

People stop calling it boring and ect. It's a Japanese culture respect the Japanese culture

[YourNewLover]

I don't uderstand the story behind the dance, but it's really mesmerizing - the music, the kimono - everything.

[serbanescusimona]

The hairstyle is also typical for a maiko. She wears wareshinobu hairstyle, while the geisha usually wear wigs with a more elegant hairstyle, which is called shimada. After the age of 30, if they perform until that age, they give up the white make-up and wear just a simple bun. And I have to admit that their looks, although much more simple, is much stilish and elegant

[smukase]

um, she must have some serious thigh muscle! damn

[empressmystique]

The elegance and the skill it takes to do this is something to appreciate. I am mesmerized by the dance and the music is so beautiful. I have great respect for Geisha and what they do, and all they sacrifice for their art. I love Japanese culture and I want to visit one day.

[areid]

Maiko are supposed to be expressionless it adds alto more beauty to her graceful movements and elegant appearance

[Kakarara-annnnn]

First Part - Spring
Tsuki wa oboro ni Higashiyama,
月はおぼろに東山,
The moon sits on Higashiyama,
Kasumu yogoto no kagaribi ni,
霞む夜毎のかゞり火に,   
Through the haze the signal fires can be seen at night,
Yume mo izayō benizakura
夢もいざよう紅桜,
Dreaming of the crimson cherry blossoms,
Shinobu omoi wo furisode ni,
しのぶ思いを振袖に,
I desire to see your furisode,
Gion koishi ya darari no obi yo.
祗園恋しやだらりの帶よ。
Gion, I love your darari obi.

Second Part - Summer
Natsu wa kawara no yusuzumi,
夏は河原の夕涼み,
In summer we keep cool at night by the river,
Shiroi eriashi bonbori ni,
白い襟足ぼんぼりに,
The white of the eriashi like paper lanterns,
Kakusu namida no kuchibeni mo,
隠す涙の口紅も,
Also hides the tears of our red lipstick,
Moete mi wo yaku Daimonji,
燃えて身を焼く大文字,
My heart burns like Daimonji,
Gion koishi ya darari no obi yo.
祗園恋しやだらりの帶よ。
Gion, I love your darari obi.

Third Part - Autumn
Kamo no kawara no mizuyasete,
加茂(鴨)の河原の水痩せて,
The Kamo River’s water grows thin,
Musebu seoto ni kane no koe,
咽ぶ瀬音に鐘の声,
The sound of the water and a bell are audible,   
Kareta yanagi ni akikaze ga,
枯れた柳に秋風が,   
Autumn winds blow through the weeping willow,
Fuku ya koyoi mo yo mo sugara,
吹くや今宵も夜もすがら,   
Tonight my tears will blow away too,
Gion koishi ya darari no obi yo.
祗園恋しやだらりの帶よ。
Gion, I love your darari obi.

Fourth Part - Winter
Yuki wa shitoshito marumado ni,
雪はしとしと丸窓に,   
Snow falls around the round window,
Tsumoru ōse no sashimukai,
積もる逢瀬のさしむかい,   
I enjoy a secret meeting face to face with you,
Hikage tsumetaku sayo fukete,
灯影冷たく小夜ふけて,   
Even by the lantern it is cold as the night goes on,   
Moyai makura ni kawa chidori,
もやい枕に川千鳥,
On my pillow, the plovers by the river,
Gion koishi ya darari no obi yo.
祗園恋しやだらりの帶よ。
Gion, I love your darari obi.

source:Mylokoville on tumblr

[Itxazoa]

She is truly beautiful and graceful. Yes, I could see that there is a story being told by her movements. I hope one day to appreciate the beauty of Japan in person.
Thank you for sharing.

[sukilinares]

Both kimono and obi are a work of art, the dancing is fascinating, precise and deep and she is beautiful, but, all together. It is mesmerizing.

[MsSteelphoenix]

It is a different style than you are used to; it 'sounds bad' for the same reason that opera or black metal sound horrible to a lot of people. It's simply a different paradigm, and often it requires some education into how and why it came into being for it to be truly appreciated. Perhaps have a look into the lyrics of some of the songs, and how they tie into the story of the dance; it may increase your appreciation.

[flufflepuffle]

I saw a performance in what may have been the same place, and the people were so rude. Everyone wants to film, so everyone's phones are out and they're barely watching, and blocking the view of others. They're also constantly having flashes go off, and sometimes even talk. I elected to only take one picture because tbh if I were an artist in such an environment where no one pays attention, I would be very sad. It's a beautiful dance, but I hope that people learn to be more considerate, and only take brief photos or videos.

Edit: Not a criticism of this video, but just something to keep in mind for those going to Japan in the future.

[Omg_imsoawesome]

Aww she is like a butterfly!

Love her Kimono and hair, and obviously her dancing!!!!

[stephaniecale]

I am blown away by the grace and strength of this dancer! She never wavers in her balance and the rigors of changing her vertical position never show on her face. I'm also very impressed that the kimono never trips her up, even with multiple turns that could wrap around her legs and snag her. Well Done!!

[chrislaid]

I dont understand what she's expressing thru her dance, but it looks deep

[pinstripesuitandheels]

That kimono is exquisite. It reminds me of snowy mountain peaks where you'll see some dark rock poking through or dark shadows here and there. And then in the foreground maybe autumn scenery with berries and maple leafs.

[moushimoushi]

I love Maiko Koyoshi-san's Hiki here! It's amazing that even as a young Maiko she was already so calculating with her moves ^^ Now she is a fully fledged Geiko, and I would love to see a video of her performing as a Geiko to see how far she's come~