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

Thank you!

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