The final rehearsal for the 61st "Kyo Odori," or Kyoto Dance, Miyagawa-cho spring dance performance, which opened on April 3, was held at the Miyagawa-cho Kaburenjo theater in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, on April 2. "Geiko" and "Maiko," or geisha and apprentice geisha, performed the actual gorgeous dances to introduce the upcoming show to invited guests.

This year's program is "Hana no Esugata Miyako no Zuisho," or auspicious floral signs of the ancient city Kyoto, and is composed of seven scenes. Scenes range from "Hanageshiki Miyako no Nigiwai," or expressing the changes in Kyoto through the four seasons in dances for each season, to "Shiranami Utsuke no Himoshibari," which is a light performance based on Kyogen, a form of Japanese comic theater, titled "Boshibari," or tied to a pole. Following these, the scene "Tamamo Kinmo Kitsune," or a fox with a beautiful coat of fur, depicts the dynamic fight of a samurai warrior with a phantom. A wide variety of scenes are performed, leading to the finale "Miyagawa Ondo" in which all the dancers perform against a backdrop of Kiyomizu-dera Temple with cherry blossoms in full glory.

In the sixth scene "Maiko no Warabeuta," or nursery songs by Maiko, Maiko not only dance, but also take the role of "Jikata," or accompanist, playing instruments including the "Samisen," or three-stringed lute. As this is a new attempt not seen elsewhere in the other traditional entertainment districts, the audience applauded the Maiko's fresh performance. Shows will be held three times daily until April 18.