What is "shirabyoshi"

were female dancers, prominent in the Japanese Imperial Court, who performed traditional Japanese dances (the dances themselves were also called shirabyōshi). They danced dressed as men. The profession of shirabyōshi developed in the 12th century. They would perform for the nobility, 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.