maiko

A is an apprentice geisha in Kyoto. Their jobs consist of performing songs, dances, and playing the or other traditional Japanese instruments for visitors during banquets and parties, known as . are usually aged 17 to 20, and graduate to geisha status after a period of training that includes traditional dance, the , , and, in Kyoto only, learning the Kyoto dialect. The apprenticeship ranges from a few months to a year or two years, although apprentices too old to dress as may advance to geisha despite still training. Apprentice geisha in other locations in Japan are known by other terms, such as for apprentices in Tokyo. The traditions of apprentice geisha in these areas diverge from those in Kyoto, sometimes to a considerable degree, including an apprentice's appearance and the structure of her apprenticeship. Work In the morning, take lessons in the traditional arts. At night, they dance, sing, play the , and serve visitors at exclusive (teahouses).