THE TRAINING OF THE GEISHA.

North Otago Times, 27 December 1907, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE TRAINING OF THE GEISHA.

HOW JAPANESE DANCERS 'ARE TAUGHT. Tho geisha Is, of course, tho public dancer of Japan, but dancing, as wo know it docs not exist in her country. Thero are no active, quick movements, no hops or jumps, no hurry or bustlo, to mark or mar tho graceful sweep of tho geshia's "dance." Slow lines, easy waves of motion, pretty attitudes, ami gentle poses aro tho chief features, and the "dance" is taught and performed individually. Ono cannot picturo two geishas wheeling about in each other's arms.

Those who undertake tho duties of teachers to tho geisha aro usually old, wrinkled dames. In Japan ago is honoured, and those ancient duennas, ripe with experience, nro treated with the utmost respect by each pupil. Tho teacher invariably remains on the floor and does not rise from her knees, but indicates as sho bonds her body what should bo done by the geisha on the stage at the other end of the room.

The teacher directs tho pupil, tho latter, with meek obedience obeys, pattering softly across the stage.

The novice flings wido the sleeves of her kimono and toys with tho big folds; sho scampers back, wheeling quickly, and bending so that tho narrow draperies fit tight to tho small form. A rap of the teacher's wand, and the pretty foot descends, thud, upon the floor, whilo tho other is poised above, Then the dancer twirls and pirouettes on her dainty toes like a whirling rainbow.

All the while the old teacher is swinging her head backwards and sidewise, dramatically rolling her eyes, and throwing coy glances over her shoulder. All these studied poses arc solemnly and religiously mimicked by the pupil, and repeated timo after time until perfection is at last attained.

So it is with fan drill, the coquetry of 'which is shown with tho same stately dignity, almost stern in its exactness, Each twirl and twist, eacli flutter and turn has its weighty value, and has to bo mado with thumb and finger at the proper angle, and hands adjusted to, a codo of fan etiquette, which has been handed down for generations, and milst never bo deviated from.

Any omission in tho attitudinising is checked immediately by the sharp rap of the teacher's wand, and her attitudes and poses are repeated until tho girl mimic has her lesson perfect.

The education of the geisha is not complete without a thorough schooling in the elaborate ceremonies of tea service, This is a solemn rito, timo honoured and royal; it is tho test of elegance, of quiet dignity and repose—a "sine qua non" of a broad education. It is a prime essential to correct deportment, the fine edge of culture, and tho acmo of politeness. The training of tno tea maiden is both long and severe.—"Smith's Weekly,"