Workshop: What is Normal in Butoh?

In this workshop participants will dive into the depths of classical Butoh, sharing a sense of joy, fear, awe and more. 

Led by facilitator Yumi Umiumare, over the course of the weekend you will explore: 

• Basic philosophy of Butoh.
• Classical and contemporary approaches to Butoh.
• Individual creative expression of what we consider ‘normal’ and ‘abnormal’ to be.

You will work by yourself and in small groups to explore the essence of Butoh and then participants will come together. 

“I started Butoh over 30 years ago, after learning classical ballet and creative dance and one of my first experiences in the Butoh workshop was a shock. Students were encouraged to dance with twisted bodies, rolled eyes and an opened mouth, while their saliva was dripping. I felt slightly scared but at the same time, I felt an indescribable sense of freedom. It was the first time I noticed that the qualities of oddness, quirkiness and discordance were keys to get to a creative truth.”
– Yumi Umiumare

Presented by ButohOUT! for New Ab/Normal 2021

Your safety is our priority

We take your safety seriously and have put in place the following COVID safety measures to ensure you are able to feel free and have fun whilst moving:

• The capacity of each session is 30 participants to ensure physical distancing and to comply with government directions (please note: we will continue to adhere to government restrictions, and will notify you directly if this affects this program); 
• Each participant will be provided with their own floor markers to mark out their dance space to ensure safe distancing; 
• The workshop area whilst outside will be demarcated for the duration of the event to ensure members of the public are aware and ensure physical distancing; 
• You are encouraged to bring your own water bottle and water; 
• Markers and any other equipment will be thoroughly cleaned with disinfectant between each session; and
• Wearing a mask is mandatory inside and when you cannot maintain physical distancing, unless you have a lawful exemption for not wearing one.

View the Convent’s COVID Safe plans here.

Cancellation policy

Please refer to the booking terms and conditions.

Access

Workshops in the Oratory and Rosina Auditorium can be accessed via wheelchair or mobility device.

If you have access requirements please contact organisers on butohout@gmail.com

Thank you!

Abbotsford Convent Foundation
ImPermanence Productions
Dancehouse
Australia Council for the Arts
Australian Cultural Fund
Auspicious Arts Projects
City of Yarra