The autumn dance performance "Suimeikai" in the entertainment district of Pontocho will open on October 24, 2024 at the Pontocho Kaburenjo Theater in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City. Thirty-eight geisha and maiko will perform and decorate the stage with four songs, mainly classical.
Named after the flow of the Kamo River, Suimeikai used to be held in the spring, but it has been held in October since the "Autumn Kamogawa Odori" was abolished in 1999.
The 109th performance this autumn will open with the gorgeous kiyomoto celebratory dance "Shiki Sanyosou." The performance will include "Koi Toro," a love story between three men and women, and "Yamanba," a Tokiwazu piece taught by Living National Treasure Tokiwazu Isatayu, and conclude with a lively Nagauta piece "Ame no Shiki," in which 10 geisha and maiko dance to the scenery of the four seasons of Edo.
The final practice, "Ozarae," was open to members of the press on October 23rd. The geisha and maiko were dressed in their performance costumes and checked their standing positions and mannerisms. Momino, head of the Pontocho Geisha Association, said, "I hope that everyone, including the young local geisha, can see the results of a year's hard work."
The Suimeikai performances will run from October 24th to 27th at 4pm. Reserved seats are priced at 10,000 yen and 8,000 yen, and unreserved seats are 5,000 yen. Tickets are available on the day. For inquiries, contact the Pontocho Kabukai at 075 (221) 2025.
