Geisha entertain at parties known as ozashiki, often for the entertainment of wealthy clientele, as well as performing on stage and at festivals. Their distinct appearance is characterised by long, trailing kimono, traditional hairstyles and oshiroi make-up. Geisha ( 芸者) ( / ˈ ɡ eɪ ʃ ə/ Japanese: ), also known as geiko ( 芸子) (in Kyoto and Kanazawa) or geigi ( 芸妓), are a class of female Japanese performing artists and entertainers trained in traditional Japanese performing arts styles, such as dance, music and singing, as well as being proficient conversationalists and hosts.
