Geisha girls are well known, even in western culture for their white painted faces, long, carefully woven kimono (Japanese gowns) and immaculately presented hair. However, the first step to becoming a Geisha girl, is first becoming a Maiko which is a Geisha apprentice. Maiko girls do not attend high school, or university, instead once they are finished Junior High School at the age of 15, they leave their families to attend a Maiko school, where they participate in rigorous training in Japanese traditional arts including, tea Ceremony, flower arrangement, and dancing.