Boost your creativity! Japanese dancer Emiko introduces you to "Butoh" in a fun way!
The point of Butoh basic training is to imagine that our body is an empty bag. The empty bag is moved by something. By trying to remove an intention, we are able to feel unconsciousness inside our body. This workshop is for all levels. Even beginners can enjoy this Butoh basic training. You feel relaxed and find a new approach to your inner mind and body.
● What is BUTOH？
Butoh is a Japanese interpretative dance that was born in the 1960s. The most famous founders were Tatsumi Hijikata and Kazuo Ohno.
Butoh dance is a post-war avant-garde movement in Japan that emerged as a reaction against Western styles of dance. Unlike dances that focus on developing the body's movements, Butoh seeks beauty even in a debilitated body, emphasizing the connection between the body and the subconscious for a more profound exploration of the human condition through body dialogue.
Butoh dancers imagine their bodies as empty bags, and convey a sense of introspection by accepting their inner selves and both positive and negative emotions. This unique approach to dance has established Butoh body philosophy and attracted attention globally.
＜Workshop Highlights＞
・Learn how to move your body based on Butoh basic training.
・Explore the background of Butoh movements and the connection between mind and body through imagination.
＜Emiko's Teaching Approach＞
We delicately instruct and explain through imagery to facilitate understanding. Using Butoh dance as a medium, we aim to bring awareness to forgotten or overlooked elements and view an individual's inner experiences from a different perspective. We often use visual images and examples to create movement from within.
＜Why Register?＞
・Feel relaxed and accept yourself consciously and unconsciously.
・Enhance your sense of body and boost creativity.
・Learn Asian physical methods different from Western ones.
・Even beginners can enjoy Butoh basic training.
We look forward to your participation!
■ Schedule
April 20, 27, May 4, 11, 25 and June 15
3~5 PM each
*They are independent classes with different contents. It can be taken only one time, but it is recommended to take all 6 classes in a row.
■ Venue
Halifax Dance Studio
(1505 BARRINGTON STREET, HALIFAX, NS, B3J 3K5, CANADA)
＊We'll let you know the details in confirmation mail later.
■ Fee (It will help support our project costs, thank you.)
$30 CAD / 1 workshop
$50 CAD / 2 workshops（$10 discount）
$150 CAD / 6 workshops（$30 discount）
*If finances are a barrier for you to come, we also have a 'Pay What You Can' option
$20, $15, $10 /1 workshop
In return, we kindly ask for your assistance in promoting our LADDER project on your social media channels by sharing your participation in this Butoh workshop.
■ Butoh instructor
Emiko Agatsuma
● About Emiko Agatsuma
Emiko Agatsuma is a versatile Japanese artist recognized for her role as a traditional Butoh dancer, choreographer, and as the long standing Artistic Director at AGAXART, a platform dedicated to nurturing Butoh talent in Japan and internationally.
She was crowned Best Young Artist by the Japan Dance Critics Association in 2015 and was selected to represent Japan at the 39th annual Battery Dance Festival in New York City (2020). Emiko has since travelled, taught, mentored and performed extensively across North America, Europe and Asia.
■ Facilitator
Miya Turnbull
