The Workshop:
Outside of the 9-5/studying/retirement/the day-to-day of this business of life, there is another world, another way to be. If you want an opportunity to try something completely new - tune into your body and be creative, then come dance Butoh with us on Saturday 15th Feb.

In this introduction to Butoh, participants will explore some of the forms and philosophies of Butoh practice in a fun and supportive environment. Butoh founder Tatsumi Hijikata described the practice as “Even your own arms, deep inside your body feel foreign to you, feel that they do not belong to you. Here lies an important secret. Butoh’s radical essence is hidden here.”

This workshop is:
• Educational, an introduction to Butoh and its contexts
• an offering for gentle movement and breath work
• a meditation on tuning into the body
• a space for creativity and release
• an opportunity to connect in a different way with the Wellington community
• a social and kind space

And it’s a Free/ Pay what you like event, with all proceeds going to Arts Access.

This workshop will experiment with: the body as empty and light, the body as extending further than the skin, the breath, space walking, water body movement and a jam.
Want to find out what those things mean? Then you'd just have to come along, wouldn't you?

What is Butoh?
Butoh is a dance form originating in 1950s Japan, with some of its influences in Surrealism, post-Hiroshima Japan and German Expressionism. It has been danced all over the world and each practitioner finds what it means to them. Butoh has been described by one of its founders as ‘a step within,’ and explores the body of becoming, a body always in a state of change. Butoh teaches practitioners to listen and facilitate the desires of the body in movement and stillness.

Who attends these workshops?
Participants who have attended these workshops in the past bring a range of experience and age, with differently-abled humans, complete dance beginners and practicing artists in other disciplines all welcome. Let’s see what you’ve got Wellington!
This workshop is a safe, supportive and playful environment, free of judgement where we together explore the possibilities of this practice. The main focus is on bringing oneself to and back to the present, There is no right or wrong way

Where is it?
We will be in Room 3 of the beautiful Karori Community Centre, with lots of space, natural light and kitchen facilities for tea afterwards.
The venue has a ground level entrance and there is lift access to the first floor where the workshop will be held.
Getting there:
• There is free parking on site.
• The venue is also accessible via bus route 2 (15 minute bus from the CBD)
Please arrive 5 minutes early to allow yourself to settle, stretch a little and let me know of any physical impediments you’re working with.

EVENT LINK: https://www.facebook.com/events/1115997225401845/