The planning announcement and brochure photo shoot for the spring performance ''Kitano Odori'' in the entertainment district Kamishichiken took place on January 31, 2024 at the Kamishichiken Kaburenjo (Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City). The performance is said to be composed by the late Living National Treasure Kiyomoto Umekichi, who taught performing arts at Kamishichiken for many years, and geisha and maiko are practicing in preparation for the opening on March 20th.
The first part is ''Kumo no Kakehashi'', an original folklore dance that was first performed in 1964 and was re-performed in 2013, and the second part is ''Tabijo Tokorodokoro'', a pure dance that depicts local events and customs, such as Sendai's Tanabata Festival and Sanuki's Konpira-san. , the finale consists of the customary all-out dance, ''Kaishichiken Yakyoku''.
Soutaro Hanayagi, who is in charge of the choreography, said at a press conference, ''Teacher Kiyomoto's songs are characterized by beautiful flowing melodies. Kamishichiken Yakyoku has been loved for many years because of the atmosphere of Kamishichiken, which is calm yet gorgeous. "I would like to perform the performance with a sense of remembrance."
For the brochure photoshoot, the geisha and maiko took care of their fingertips and the angle of their faces against the backdrop of the Kamishichiken Yakyoku stage set depicting flowers in full bloom. Ichiyuki (18 years old), a maiko from Yamashina Ward, Kyoto City, who will be performing on stage for the first time, said with a firm expression, ''I'll do my best not to be nervous.'' March 20th to April 2nd. There will be two performances each day at 2pm and 4:30pm. 6,000 yen (7,000 yen with tea ceremony). Kamishichiken Kabukai 075 (461) 0148.
