The Singing and Dancing Girls

In the later Chou-dynasty (720-222 BC) a new kind of woman developed. The unsettled political situation in those times resulted in sudden changes in the fortunes of leading families and slackening of morals. In these times princes and high officials started to keep their own troops of dancing girls and female musicians next to their harem. In contrast to the wives and concubines, these girls did not belong to the group of women 'inside' that were bound by 'inside' rules. Instead, they formed a class of their own.

The singing and dancing girls performed at official banquets and private drinking bouts. However, next to their artistic skills they were also available for sexual services with their master, his retinue and his guests. However they developed in a culture where the emphasis was not just on sexuality but on their arts as well.

These girls were the forerunners of the courtesans and prostitutes that played such an important role in later Chinese life.