Hatsuyo's Debut

Friday 24th of April, 2009. A new Blue Lotus Okiya maiko emerged into the second life geisha world.

Hatsuyo, Solariad Babenco, debuted amongst much fanfare at the SS Galaxy Cruise Ship. Her first performance as a maiko featured a dark tale with deep meaning and reflected her complex nature. The performance was packed and extra seating was quickly resolved by our gracious hosts at the SS Galaxy. In attendance amongst many honored guests and patrons also were our fellow Kenban sisters there to wish her the best.

At the Blue Lotus Okiya a misedashi is often the reward after months of tutelage, hard work, and dedication. We celebrate it over the course of 7 days. Much like a real life debut the maiko visits other venues that we normally perform at and other okiya and introduce herself to everyone as her new professional self. We also celebrate with performances scattered over the next 7 days ranging from stage shows to quiet conversational opportunities with the debuting maiko.

Hatsuyo is one of our shining stars and a greatly honored addition to the Blue Lotus Okiya. Come by and get to know her.

Miyako Odori ~ Dance of the Capital

Miyako Odori, or the Dance of the old Capital, is a month long series of dances and cultural events performed by the geiko and maiko of Gion Kobu annually throughout April. The month is a plethora of dances, plays, ceremonial services, and displays of art and ikebana most created by the geisha themselves. A cultural celebration of Japanese traditions and history.

The SL Miyako Odori 2009 hosted at the Blue Lotus Okiya features several okiya of the SL Geisha Kenban. We hope to uphold the spirit of these traditions and the Kyoto Hanamachi as well as create new traditions unique to the SL Geisha Community.

The opening ceremonies commenced on April 1st 9:00 am SLT with an encore at 7:00pm SLT. Both shows were well recieved and attended by members of the SL community. A group dance performance to the sakura song preceded the Tea ceremony Demonstration. Everyone was dressed as traditionally as SL possible with, Hair and kanzashi provided by Hana Katsuraya, Kimono by Geisha Dreams and Fans by Tenran. Our main Poster this year features Blue Lotus maiko Ichisumi and soon to debut maiko Umeha, Hana.

We would like to thank out performers:

geisha Ichiwaka of Mitsuba Okiya

Ichisumi, Megumi, Nariko, Hatsuyo, Umeha, Aika, Eva, Zeek, Angela, Mig and Vera of Blue Lotus Okiya

Chelsea, Callidora, and Koyuki of Pontocho Okiya