Geisha

A Geisha is a woman of art. Geisha also known as Geiko or Geigi (Geisha from western Japan) are traditional Japanese female performers. They usually preform dances and music.

The beginning of the training in the Geisha community can start very early 3-5 years. Maiko are actually known as "Child of Dance." They also get half the pay as a full Geisha or as they call it half-jewel because they are starters and they really don't have a significant job or responsibility. Maiko are considered beginning Geisha and aren't fully Geisha until they are 18 which makes them experienced. At the age of 21 they would be considered too old and now are regonized as a full Geisha only if the Geisha community accepts them. If they are below the age of 18 that can apprentice but are found only in Kyoto.

The white make-up and the kimono that they wear is traditional, and so is their hairstyle. They have always basically been in this style and are distiguished from other Japanese women. The Geisha started emerging within the 600 century in Japan. They were a source of entertainment for many reasons. Some of the arts that they started to perform are still around today, and some may even be found in the U.S.