[Past Event] Workshop: Is Butoh Abnormal?

Butoh is known to go against the grain… so is Butoh abnormal?

The Japanese  art form of Butoh encourages the dancer to break free of rhythm, and not to follow the music. Dissonance is appreciated, ugliness and perversity are embraced.

In this post-pandemic era, when the future is so uncertain, Butoh is gaining in popularity across the world. Born out of darkness, the practice of Butoh can be a shining light—giving hope in the dark, momentary silence within the chaos, and peace amidst tension. 

In this weekly workshop, participants will be taken on a journey, exploring what makes us move—physically, mentally and spiritually. 

Over the course of five sessions you will explore: 

• The basic philosophy of Butoh.
• Butoh exercises to sharpen your senses.
• Creative expression around what we think ‘normal’ and ‘abnormal’ to be.
• Balance and counterbalance—antagonistic tension and joy.
• How to choreograph Butoh—through image, space and physical poetry.

At the end of the workshop, participants will create/develop a short work under the guidance of facilitator Yumi Umiumare. This work may be presented at the Convent during New Ab/Normal.

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