Shirabyōshi

Shirabyōshi (白拍子^?) were female dancers, prominent in the Japanese Imperial Court, who performed traditional Japanese dances (the dances themselves were also called shirabyōshi^{[citation needed]}).

Shirabyōshi came about in the late Heian period. It was a time of cultural change, so in order for some women to survive they turned to performing.

They danced dressed as men^{[citation needed]}. The profession of shirabyōshi developed in the 12th century. They would perform for nobles and high-ranking samurai, and at celebrations.

They are sometimes referred to as courtesans in the English language, but that term refers to a high-class prostitute, so this is rather incorrect. By nature they were performers. Some shirabyōshi did sleep with their patrons and give birth to nobles' children, but this was not their intended purpose as entertainers.

Shirabyōshi songs were mostly based on Buddhist prayers.

Shirabyōshi wore the trademark white facial make-up that would centuries later come to be associated with geisha, completely covering their face and neck and painting new eyebrows higher on the forehead. 

Shirabyōshi were recognizable for the outfit they would wear, which was Shinto-inspired. It truly was a man's outfit, as it featured:

• A tate-eboshi hat, worn by samurai
• A tachi, a samurai's sword
• Red hakama, worn primarily by men
• White suikan and red suikan, a male Shinto outfit
• A kawahori hand fan, which men carried

The Heian period (平安時代 Heian jidai^?) is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185.^[1] The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto.