Kagurazaka Geisha Dance 2005 神楽坂芸者 華の会
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"Hana no Kai" Dance by Kagurazaka geishaThe "Hana no Kai" geisha dance is held annually by geisha in Kagurazaka, one of Tokyo's major geisha districts. "Hana" means livley or gaudy. And "Kai" can mean gathering or party.
They held two shows on the same day. This was the second show starting at 3 pm on April 16, 2005. It lasted till about 4:45 pm.
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"Blue Ocean Waves" (青海波)They performed four numbers. This first one was called "Blue Ocean Waves" performed by five geisha.
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Notice that the kimono design shows waves.
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Rear view
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Shimada hairstyleStandard hairstyle for geisha. This a wig.
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Music and singing accompanimentAll numbers was accompanied by live music and singing.
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Eight Views of Tatsumi (巽八景）The second number was about the Tatsumi and Monzen-nakacho (Fukagawa) district in Koto Ward, Tokyo. The dance reflects the chic and bravado of the area (in the old days) which was one of Tokyo's gay quarters with geisha as well.
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Her big round eyes makes her look like a real doll.
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Unlike geisha dances in Kyoto which have elaborate backgrounds, the background here is quite plain, making us focus on the geisha which were enough eye candy. The background really didn't matter. The dances were very aesthetic and pleasing to the eyes and ears.
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Closing curtain
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IntermissionThis Ushigome-Tansu Kumin Hall can hold almost 400 people. Both shows were sold out. Tickets are sold about a month in advance. They sold out within 2 weeks. I was sitting in the middle of the hall (non-reserved seating). Tickets cost only 2,000 yen.
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Chestnut Rice Cakes （栗餅）The third number was called "Chestnut Mochi." Mochi is rice cake. They pound sticky rice to make it. Performed by two geisha. The one in blue is a male role.
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Lively Colors of Kagurazaka（神楽坂華の彩）The final number, called Lively Colors of Kagurazaka (Kagurazaka Hana no Irodori) actually consisted of seven dances. This was the first one performed by three geisha. （ひと里）
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Kagurazaka geisha dance
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Kagurazaka geisha dance
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引けや引け引け
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悋気しゃんすなSolo number performed by Maiko (her name). 舞子
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Mt. Fuji and Mt. Asama（富士や浅間）. Solo dance by a geisha named Mari（万り）.
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The Word Called Love (恋と云う字)
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After the dance, this geisha posed with us for a picture.
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Finale
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Finale
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Praying at BishamonBishamon is a Buddhist temple in Kagurazaka where the geisha go to worship. The song included a reference to this temple.
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Praying at Bishamon
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FinaleEveryone performed in the finale.
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Towel throwingDuring the finale, the geisha started throwing hand towels to the audience.
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Towel throwingThere were women in the middle the hall also throwing towels to people sitting further back.
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A bow of thanks
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Closing wordsThe women standing in the back are the okami-san (proprietress) of high-class Japanese-style restaurants in Kagurazaka where the geisha are hired to perform at private geisha parties.
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Hand clappingThis is called sanbon-jime, a series of hand clapping to mark the end of a successful meeting.
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Hall entrance and sign
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Geisha catching a taxi homePhoto by Kevin Mihaly.
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