Music. Geisha Dance, by Eduardo Marzo in “Dance Songs of the
Nations,” John Church Company, publishers, New York. Words of the song
by Margaret Lacy.
To be sung by the dancers themselves, or by one or more soloists while
the dancers go through the steps.
In a forest of Japan a pretty maple grew.
She coquetted morn and even with the strong bamboo;
Maidens hung on her their lanterns when they came to dance,
And she watched with exultation each admiring glance.
Then her leaves would gently whisper, nestling in the breeze,
To the pretty maidens dancing there beneath the trees,
“O! O! Dance, O pretty maidens, dance ye on the grass below,
Forward bending, lightly swaying gently to and fro.
Each of you will have a hero, loyal, brave and true,
But not one will be more loyal than my strong bamboo.”
When the bamboo heard her singing he was filled with glee
And he nodded to the maple, so that she might see
That he loved her very dearly and was worthy, too,
Of the trust that she confided in her strong bamboo.
And the maple peeping over saw his signal sweet,
Sang again unto the maidens dancing at her feet.
“O! O! Dance, O pretty maidens, dance ye on the grass below,
Forward bending, lightly swaying gently to and fro.
Each of you will have a hero, loyal, brave and true,
But not one will be more loyal than my strong bamboo. O!”
Stage this song and dance in the same setting that was used for the
Madame Butterfly story. Before the dancers appear, place bright
cushions, one for each dancer, on the floor in a semicircle. Have eight
or more dancers enter from each side with little pattering Japanese
steps, take their places behind their cushions and bow in oriental
fashion to the audience. They are dressed in bright-colored Japanese
kimonos and sashes, with chrysanthemums in their hair. Each carries
a fan which is held stiffly in front of her chest, with the forearm
pressed slightly against the body. The head is held to the side in a
prim little fashion such as one sees in old Japanese prints. Every
gesture is formal and studied. (This is the Japanese pose referred to
in the dance.)