Butoh Weekend Workshop at Dancehouse

Photo by Vikk Shayen: from INVOCATIONたまおこし２０２３

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Butoh :Creative Gate Way

Weekend Workshop

at Dancehouse

FACILITATOR
Yumi Umiumare

WHEN
8(Sat) and 9(Sun) June 2024
10am-4:30 pm

COST
$230/210

WHERE
Dancehouse : 150 Princes St, Carlton North

Terms & Conditions

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aBOUT: Butoh Weekend Workshop : Creative Gate Way

(Photo by Vikk Shayen)
Yumi Umiumare and Kyoko Amara in INVOCATIONたまおこし2023 )

"Western dance begins with its feet firmly planted on the ground, whereas Butoh begins with a dance wherein the dancer tries in vain to find their feet." - Tatsumi Hijikata

Butoh can be mysterious, abstract, and esoteric, yet it can also serve as a creative gateway, catalyst, and even lead to unexpected breakthroughs. Over the weekend, Yumi leads participants through 10 focused points(as below), guiding them to explore the physical and philosophical dimensions of Butoh from both classical and contemporary perspectives.

The workshop is welcoming both experienced practitioners and those new to the practice.

The 10 Focus points：

1. Presence and Being：在り方

2. Gravity /Suspension ：重さ /つられる体

3. Isolation :”Each part of the body has its own kingdom” ：「体それぞれの部分に王国がある」

4. Internal and External Landscape : 内側と外側

5.  'Ma'( sense of emptiness) and accumulations: 間（ま）と溜（ため）

6. Repetitions : 反復

7. Form /Mask : 型/面

8. Form -> Non Form -> Trans-Formation : 形　->　無形　->変容

9. Imagination／Creation：想像/創造

10. Creative Gateway : 創造性の入り口へ

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Butoh and Beyond 舞踏とその先

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APRIL Workshop

JOIN US TUESDAY 30TH APRIL 2024

Workshop: Butoh

FACILITATOR
Yumi Umiumare

WHEN
30(Tue) April @6-9pm

COST
$40 for drop-in

WHERE
OKTopia: 754R High St, Thornbury VICTORIA

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aBOUT: Butoh and Beyond  舞踏とその先

(Photo :Weekly workshop 2023 @OkTopia)

Last session of the 6 week workshop is coming up, get in quick to join in and focuses on training the body through classic Butoh methods combined with Yumi’s unique contemporary approach to Butoh, incorporating aspects of ritual as a gateway to enter and spirit as a soul to dive into. 

The sessions have been focused on various themes, including physical exploration, form and non-form and creating personal expressions through ritual. This workshop is open to participants of all levels of experience and artistic discipline. While it is recommended to attend all six sessions, drop-ins are also welcome.

N.B. Due to the studio space, limited spots are available.

FACILITATOR
Yumi Umiumare

WHEN
30(Tue) April @6-9pm

COST
$40 for drop-in

WHERE
OKTopia: 754R High St, Thornbury VICTORIA

Terms & Conditions

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Butoh, Ritual and Spirit workshop series by Yumi Umiumare

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Workshop series Overview

WEEKLY

Weekly Workshop: Butoh
19th of March – April 30th 2024 @6-9pm
6 week workshop Tuesday nights commencing
N.B. no class on Tue 23rd April
@OkTopia, Thornbury
$220/200 & $40 for drop-in

WEEKEND

Weekend Workshop: Butoh and Ritual
22(Fri), 23(Sat), 24(Sun) March 2024
22(Fri) 6-9pm
23(Sat) 10am-4:30pm
24(Sun) 10am-4:30pm
@OkTopia, Thornbury
$280/ $260

3 Nights Away

3-Nights Residential Workshop: Butoh, Tea/Ritual and Spirituality
11(Thu), 12(Fri), 13(Sat) and 14(Sun) April 2024
@ Arisaig Yandoit 
$650/$580 (early bird : booked by 29 Feb2024)
$690/$620
(All meals are included, Japanese style vegetarian)

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About

Yumi is conducting three workshops, weekly and weekend workshops, and also 3-nights residential workshop introducing her mastery skills of body awareness through Butoh, her ongoing passion for ritual and ceremony through elements of the Japanese Tea Ceremony and her recent focus on exploring Jujutsu 呪術 - a Japanese notion of Shamanism.

This unique workshop series allows participants to explore the intersection of movement, ritual, and spirituality ⏤ fostering a deeper connection to the self, others, and the world around.

By integrating Butoh, the Japanese tea ceremony, and spiritual concepts like Jujutsu, participants will delve into:

• Embodiment and Presence: Immerse yourself fully in the moment, expressing raw emotions and experiences through Butoh while creating simple rituals to enter sacred spaces with mindfulness and intention.

• Symbolism and Ritual: Explore rich symbolism and ritualistic elements, discovering the philosophy of the Japanese Tea Ceremony and its essence of harmony, respect, purity and tranquility, abstracted through contemporary Butoh styles.

• Mysteries and Magic: Delve into the mysteries of Jujutsu, where everyday life intersects with the sacred and the profane, exploring the spiritual link between the visible and invisible worlds.

• Transformation and Self-Expression: Experience catharsis through movement, ritual and spiritual exploration, uncovering deep emotions and releasing tension.

Reconnecting these powers into the arts is essential for Yumi’s creative practice, and this is a great opportunity for participants to share in that process.

This workshop is open to participants of all levels of experience and artistic discipline. 

N.B. Due to the studio space, limited spots are available.

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#1 - Weekly Workshop

Butoh and Beyond  舞踏とその先

(Photo :Weekly workshop 2023 @OkTopia)

This weekly workshop (six sessions in total) focuses on training the body through classic Butoh methods combined with Yumi’s unique contemporary approach to Butoh, incorporating aspects of ritual as a gateway to enter and spirit as a soul to dive into. 

The weekly sessions will focus on various themes, including physical exploration, form and non-form and creating personal expressions through ritual. This workshop is open to participants of all levels of experience and artistic discipline. While it is recommended to attend all six sessions, drop-ins are also welcome.
N.B. Due to the studio space, limited spots are available.

The weekly workshops will focus on;

Week 1: March 19: Introduction and physical exploration through classical Butoh
Week 2: March 26 : Physical exploration through hybrid styles of Butoh
Week 3: April 2: Form and Non-Form, being nature elements
Week 4: April 9: Form and Non-Form, being animal elements
Week 5: April 16: Finding a ‘gateway’, ‘entrance’ and ‘exit’ through aspects of Butoh

N.B. No class Tue 23 April

Week 6: April 30: Creating own expression through Butoh and Beyond

FACILITATOR
Yumi Umiumare

WHEN
March 19(Tue), 26(Tue)
April 2(Tue), 9(Tue), 16(Tue), 30(Tue) @6-9pm
(N.B. No class Tue 23rd April)

COST
$220/200 & $40 for drop-in

WHERE
OKTopia: 754R High St, Thornbury VICTORIA

Terms & Conditions

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#2 - Weekend Workshop

Butoh・Tea/Ritual 舞踏・お茶/儀式

(Photo: PopUp Tearoom Series Brisbane 2018)

Originally named ‘Dance of Darkness’, Butoh challenges conventional performance styles and offers participants a unique opportunity to explore their embodiment and presence. This workshop integrates Butoh with elements of the Japanese tea ceremony, introducing participants to the philosophy of harmony和, respect敬, purity清 and tranquility寂. 

Through movement exercises, exploration, and discussions, participants will create their own unique routines and rituals in an abstracted Butoh style. 

If you are interested in exploring these magical realms, please join this workshop.This workshop is open to participants of all levels of experience and artistic discipline. 

N.B. Due to the studio space, limited spots are available.

Friday 22 March- Day1
6-6:15pm - Registration & Introduction
6:15pm-7:20pm - Introduction (to the cultural practice and history of Butoh and Japanese tea ceremony)
(10min break)
7:30pm-8:50pm - A ritual > Movement exercise
(10min debrief)

Saturday 23 Sep - Day 2
10am-12:00pm - WarmUp/Exercise/Exploration(classic Butoh style)
12:00-12:45pm - Lunch break
12:45-1:00pm - Q and A
1:00-3:30pm - Introduction of Japanese tea ceremony (action, inaction and movement with object)
3:30-4:30pm - Creation/Discussion/Q and A

Sunday 24 Sep - Day 2
10:00am-12:00am - Warm-up/Exercise/Exploration(Contemporary Butoh style)
12:00-12:45pm - Lunch break
12:45-1:00pm - Small discussion/Q and A
1:00-3:30pm -  Exploring contemporary ritual > movement expression
3:30-4:30pm – Creation, discussion, feedback & debrief

FACILITATORS
Yumi Umiumare

WHEN
Fri March 22: 6pm-9pm (introduction ritual)
Sat March 23: 10am-4:30pm
Sun March 24: 10am-4:30pm

COST
$280/ $260

WHERE
OKTopia: 754R High St, Thornbury VICTORIA

Terms & Conditions

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#3 - Special Residential Workshop

Butoh・Tea/Ritual ・ Spirituality 舞踏・お茶/儀式・スピリット

(Photo: Residential Workshop @Arisaig 2019)

Over four days, Yumi will introduce participants to various movement skills and methods of Butoh, Ritual and the choreographic aspects of the Japanese tea ceremony. Participants will also explore their internal and external creative expressions through Jujutsu呪術, a Japanese notion of Shamanism. 

The serene landscape will enable participants to delve deeper into their authentic "being" and cleanse their busy thoughts. Through shared meals and conversations, Yumi will guide participants in exploring their consciousness of well-being, from breathing and entering to silent walks and vocal expressions. This workshop offers an immersive experience into the intersection of movement, ritual and spirituality, inviting participants to reconnect with the mysteries of life and embrace a holistic humanity.

PLANNED SCHEDULE: Read more…

FACILITATORS
Yumi Umiumare

WHEN
Thur 11- Sun 14 April 2024
(arrive by 5pm on Thursday, Finishing late morning on Sunday)

WHERE
Arisaig

COST
Early Bird
$650 Full / $580Concession
Standard
$690 Full / $620Concession
(All meals are included, Japanese style vegetarian)

ACCOMMODATION
Participants will be camping (BYO Tent) amongst the beauty of the bush on this private land to allow for a deeper connection to Mother Earth. There are also airBnB available around the area.  

Terms & Conditions

(Short video from Butoh Residential Workshop 2019@ Arisaig)

Special Residential Workshop - APRIL 2024

(Short video from Butoh Residential Workshop 2019@ Arisaig)

Butoh・Tea/Ritual ・ Spirituality
舞踏・お茶/儀式・スピリット

Over four days, Yumi will introduce participants to various movement skills and methods of Butoh, Ritual and the choreographic aspects of the Japanese tea ceremony. Participants will also explore their internal and external creative expressions through Jujutsu呪術, a Japanese notion of Shamanism. 

The serene landscape will enable participants to delve deeper into their authentic "being" and cleanse their busy thoughts. Through shared meals and conversations, Yumi will guide participants in exploring their consciousness of well-being, from breathing and entering to silent walks and vocal expressions. This workshop offers an immersive experience into the intersection of movement, ritual and spirituality, inviting participants to reconnect with the mysteries of life and embrace a holistic humanity.

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WORKSHOP DETAILS

FACILITATORS
Yumi Umiumare

WHEN
Thur 11- Sun 14 April 2024
(arrive by 5pm on Thursday 11th, finishing late morning on Sunday 14th)

WHERE
339 Limestone Rd
Yandoit VIC 3461
Arisaig

COST
(All meals are included, Japanese style vegetarian)
Early Bird - by 29 Feb 2024
$650 Full / $580Concession

Standard
$690 Full / $620Concession

ACCOMMODATION
Participants will be camping (BYO Tent) amongst the beauty of the bush on this private land to allow for a deeper connection to Mother Earth. There are also airBnB available around the area.  

Terms & Conditions

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3-NIGHTS RESIDENTIAL WORKSHOP: BUTOH, TEA/RITUAL & SPIRITUALITY

WHAT WE DO

Yumi is conducting 3-nights residential workshop introducing her mastery skills of body awareness through Butoh, her ongoing passion for ritual and ceremony through elements of the Japanese Tea Ceremony and her recent focus on exploring Jujutsu 呪術 - a Japanese notion of Shamanism.

This unique workshop series allows participants to explore the intersection of movement, ritual, and spirituality ⏤ fostering a deeper connection to the self, others, and the world around.

By integrating Butoh, the Japanese tea ceremony, and spiritual concepts like Jujutsu, participants will delve into:

• Embodiment and Presence: Immerse yourself fully in the moment, expressing raw emotions and experiences through Butoh while creating simple rituals to enter sacred spaces with mindfulness and intention.

• Symbolism and Ritual: Explore rich symbolism and ritualistic elements, discovering the philosophy of the Japanese Tea Ceremony and its essence of harmony, respect, purity and tranquility, abstracted through contemporary Butoh styles.

• Mysteries and Magic: Delve into the mysteries of Jujutsu, where everyday life intersects with the sacred and the profane, exploring the spiritual link between the visible and invisible worlds.

• Transformation and Self-Expression: Experience catharsis through movement, ritual and spiritual exploration, uncovering deep emotions and releasing tension.

Reconnecting these powers into the arts is essential for Yumi’s creative practice, and this is a great opportunity for participants to share in that process.

This workshop is open to participants of all levels of experience and artistic discipline. 

PLANNED SCHEDULE
(subject to be changed)

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THURSDAY 11 APRIL
Arrive by 5pm, settle in, set up tent etc.
Dinner 
Session #1 (Gathering) 

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FRIDAY12 APRIL
Silent Walk and exercise
Breakfast
Session# 2
Lunch 
Session# 3
Dinner
Session #4 (Gathering) 

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SATURDAY 13 APRIL
Silent walk and exercise
Breakfast
Session# 5
Lunch 
Session# 6
Dinner
Performance (OPTIONAL)

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SUNDAY 14 APRIL
Breakfast
Gathering, debrief and packing

10:30am Departure

THE WORKSHOP IS OPEN TO ALL LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE AND ARTISTIC DISCIPLINARY.
A LIMITED NUMBER IS AVAILABLE!

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IN-VOCATION たまおこしResidential Workshop

IN-VOCATION たまおこし
RESIDENTIAL WORKSHOP
by Yumi Umiumare with Kayo Tamura, Kyoko Amara from Japan

Butoh, Text and Voice from your ‘deeper source’

This is unique residential workshop, exploring movement, text and voice, through 呪術 Jujutsu, Japanese notion of shamanism, translated as ‘Magic’ at the stunning beach location in Venus Bay, Gippsland.

Melbourne based performance artist Yumi Umiumare is facilitating the workshop, with her international collaborators from Japan, Kayo Tamura (A shaman in theatre!) and Kyoko Amara (professional clairvoyant/singer). The intention of the event is to open up new possibilities of interweaving between arts, nature and spirituality.

Over the 5 days, this ‘magic triangle’ of three artists, will introduce various exercises to guide the participants to open their ‘creative portal’ in order to;

• Access your inner, deep sources of creativity

• Extract individual and authentic expressions 

• Find ways of expressing with movement, word, voice and sound

The exercises includes; 

• Movement : ‘what comes from within’ from Butoh method (Yumi)

• Text: ‘Authentic self-portrait series’ from drama technique  (Kayo)

• Guided meditation to find out own ‘power animal’ from shamanism method (Kyoko)
  

The stillness and wildness of the landscape enables us to explore our deeper and authentic "being" and helps to cleanse our busy thoughts. Through sharing food and gentle conversation, these powerful female artists will lead participants to explore their consciousness of well-being, essence of ‘personal ritual’ from breathing, walking, moving, and occasional screaming and laughter.

2 hours from Melbourne, the Raven’s Nest retreat space is located in Venus Bay on 14 acres of waterfront, forested sanctuary in South Gippsland. The 2 storey house has sunrise to sunset views, large yurt, massive deck spaces, outdoor dance floors and camping areas, private walking tracks & national park access.

Tama Okoshi: たまおこし
Tama means soul, Okoshi means upheaval or awaken

THE WORKSHOP IS OPEN TO ALL LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE AND ARTISTIC DISCIPLINARY.

A LIMITED NUMBER IS AVAILABLE!

Enquiry

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL GUEST ARTISTS

Kayo Tamura is an accomplished performance artist who fearlessly blazes her own trail with a strong background in theory, performance, writing, and directing. Kayo is a founder and artistic director of the GUMBO Theatre Group in Osaka since 1994. The company has performed in Edinburgh, Australia, Asia and North America and has won numerous awards. In 2022, they successfully completed a six-month tour of North America and won seven awards. Kayo is a Hong Kong Fringe Club Honorary Member (2015–), Asian Youth Theatre Festival Japan Team Advisor (2018–), Kamikoma Cats Artistic Director (2017–), Sakai International Community Arts Artistic Director (2019–).

Kyoko Amara loves the scent of the soul. She is a “channeller” or clairvoyant in Japan who has held sessions with over 9000 people. Over 20 years, she has been working as a singer with shamanistic drumming. Her main work is to spiritually convey the roots of people’s souls. She has also been engaged in art and shamanistic activities through Butoh performance, painting female genitals, holding workshops for feminine liberation and ceremonies. In 2017, Kyoko moved from Tokyo to the foot of Mt. Hayachine in northern Japan to organise events in a 100-year-old folk house, "Ihatov Mountain and Water Sunshade”.

WORKSHOP DETAILS

FACILITATORS
Yumi Umiumare (Movement)
Kayo Tamura (Drama)
Kyoko Amara (Voice)

WHEN
Thu 30 March - Mon 3 April 2023

WHERE
Raven’s Nest
Venus Bay, South Gippsland

COST
Early Bird - $650 Full/ $550Concession
Standard - $690Full / $590Concession
(All meals are included, Japanese vegetarian)

ACCOMMODATION
Participants will be camping (BYO Tent) amongst the beauty of the bush on this private land to allow for a deeper connection to Mother Earth. There are also rooms available in the house, for those wishing more comfort. Beds are limited so book your spot now!  

PLANNED SCHEDULE - (SUBJECT TO BE CHANGED)

Thursday 30 March

By 5pm Arriving, settle in, setting up tent etc
6:30pm Dinner 
8pm Session 1 (Gathering) 

Friday 31 March

6:30 am Silent Walk and exercise
Breakfast 8am
10-1pm Session 2
Lunch 1:15pm
3-6pm Session 3
Dinner 6:30 pm
8pm Session 4 (Gathering) 

Saturday 1 April

6:30 am Silent Walk and exercise
Breakfast 8am
10-1pm Session 5
Lunch 1:15pm
3-6pm Session 6
Dinner 6:30 pm
8pm Session 7 (Gathering) 

Sunday 2 April

6:30 am Silent Walk and exercise
Breakfast 8am
10-1pm Session 8
Lunch 1:15pm 
3-6pm Session 9
Dinner 6:30 pm
8pm performance preparation
9pm Performance

Monday 3 April

Breakfast 8am
Gathering, debrief and packing
10:30 am Departure

                                                              PHOTOS FROM LAST WORKSHOP (DEC 2022)

IN-VOCATION たまおこしWorkshop Series : Butoh, Drama, Voice with Spirits.

ABOUT

This is unique workshop series , exploring movement, text and voice, through 呪術 Jujutsu, Japanese notion of shamanism, translated as ‘Magic’.Melbourne-based Butoh dancer/choreographer Yumi Umiumare is facilitating 3 workshop, with international guest artists from Japan, Kayo Tamura (a queen of comedy/shaman in theatre) and Kyoko Amara (clairvoyant/earth voice singer).  This ‘magic triangle’ will introduce various exercises to guide the participants to open their ‘creative portal 'thus becoming a ‘medium’ for their own expression.

The intention of the event is to open up our new possibilities of interweaving between arts, space, human, nature and spirituality.

たまおこし（Tama Okoshi）: Tama means soul, Okoshi means upheaval or awaken.

Please contact us directly if you want to participate in ALL and make special financial arrangements.

All workshops are open to all, those with and without dance or theatre experience.

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ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL GUEST ARTISTS

Kayo Tamura is an accomplished performance artist who fearlessly blazes her own trail with a strong background in theory, performance, writing, and directing. Kayo is a founder and artistic director of the GUMBO Theatre Group in Osaka since 1994. The company has performed in Edinburgh, Australia, Asia and North America and has won numerous awards. In 2022, they successfully completed a six-month tour of North America and won seven awards. Kayo is a Hong Kong Fringe Club Honorary Member (2015–), Asian Youth Theatre Festival Japan Team Advisor (2018–), Kamikoma Cats Artistic Director (2017–), Sakai International Community Arts Artistic Director (2019–).

Kyoko Amara loves the scent of the soul. She is a “channeller” or clairvoyant in Japan who has held sessions with over 9000 people. Over 20 years, she has been working as a singer with shamanistic drumming. Her main work is to spiritually convey the roots of people’s souls. She has also been engaged in art and shamanistic activities through Butoh performance, painting female genitals, holding workshops for feminine liberation and ceremonies. In 2017, Kyoko moved from Tokyo to the foot of Mt. Hayachine in northern Japan to organise events in a 100-year-old folk house, "Ihatov Mountain and Water Sunshade”.

Workshops OVErVIEWS

WORKSHOP #1 - SPACE 場所
Butoh, Voice and Drama 1 day workshop
19(Sun) March @ 10-4pm
At Dancehouse
$120/$80

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WORKSHOP #2 - PEOPLE 人
Butoh and Beyond : Weekend Performance Making Laboratory 
25 (Sat) March 26(Sun) @10-4pm
At Abbotsford Convent
$220/$200

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WORKSHOP #3 - NATURE 自然
Special Residential Workshop 
30(Thur)March- 3 (Mon) April 
At Raven’s Nest, Venus Bay
$650/$550 (early bird) $ 690/$590
Booking

WORKSHOP #1 - SPACE 場所

BUTOH, VOICE and DRAMA 1 DAY WORKSHOP

This is an 1 day workshop, introducing the three artists’ core creative methods, exploring movement, text and voice, through 呪術 Jujutsu, Japanese notion of shamanism, translated as ‘Magic’. 

The workshops includes, 

• Physical exercise through Butoh and creative movement

• Guided work for story telling and text

• Guided meditation for accessing inner guid and ‘power animal’

Translated by Yumi Umiumare(English / Japanese)

Special Guest: Hisako Tsuchiya (Calligrapher/Yumi's mother from Japan)

Workshop Details

FACILITATORS
Yumi Umiumare (Movement)
Kayo Tamura (Drama)
Kyoko Amara (Voice)

WHEN
19(Sun) March 2023
@ 10-4pm

WHERE
Dancehouse
150 Princes Street
Carlton North VIC

WORKSHOP #2 - PEOPLE 人

Butoh and Beyond : Weekend Performance Making Laboratory

So you don’t think you can dance?

Or you don’t think you can sing or act?

The ‘magic triangle’ from Japan offers a creative solution through Butoh and Beyond!

Over the weekend, the three artists will introduce their creative methods, through various exercises of Butoh, voice, drama and unique styles of performance making. They will guide the participants to open their ‘creative portal’ thus becoming a ‘medium’ for their own expression. In Japanese, the character of ‘actor’ is written as ‘俳優’ which literally means ‘non-human excellence'. We can all experience this extraordinary state of excellence bordering on the 'non-human' through moving, singing, acting and just being our natural selves.

If you are interested in exploring these magical realms, please join this workshop.

WORKSHOP DETAILS

FACILITATORS
Yumi Umiumare (Movement)
Kayo Tamura (Drama)
Kyoko Amara (Voice)

WHEN
25 (Sat) & 26(Sun) March 2023
@10-4pm

WHERE
ABBOTSFORD CONVENT
1 St Heliers Street
Abbotsford Convent VIC

WORKSHOP #3 - NATURE 自然

Special Residential Workshop

This is unique residential workshop, exploring movement, text and voice, through 呪術 Jujutsu, Japanese notion of shamanism, translated as ‘Magic’ at the stunning beach location in Venus Bay, Gippsland.

Melbourne based performance artist Yumi Umiumare is facilitating the workshop, with her international collaborators from Japan, Kayo Tamura (A shaman in theatre!) and Kyoko Amara (professional clairvoyant/singer). The intention of the event is to open up new possibilities of interweaving between arts, nature and spirituality.

Over the 5 days, this ‘magic triangle’ of three artists, will introduce various exercises to guide the participants to open their ‘creative portal’ in order to;

• Access your inner, deep sources of creativity

• Extract individual and authentic expressions 

• Find ways of expressing with movement, word, voice and sound

The exercises includes; 

• Movement : ‘what comes from within’ from Butoh method (Yumi)

• Text: ‘Authentic self-portrait series’ from drama technique  (Kayo)

• Guided meditation to find out own ‘power animal’ from shamanism method (Kyoko)

The stillness and wildness of the landscape enable us to explore our deeper and authentic "being" and helps to cleanse our busy thoughts. Through sharing food and gentle conversation, these powerful female artists will lead participants to explore their consciousness of well-being, the essence of ‘personal ritual’ from breathing, walking, moving, and occasional screaming and laughter.

2 hours from Melbourne, the Raven’s Nest retreat space is located in Venus Bay on 14 acres of waterfront, forested sanctuary in South Gippsland. The 2 storey house has sunrise to sunset views, large yurt, massive deck spaces, outdoor dance floors and camping areas, private walking tracks & national park access.

THE WORKSHOP IS OPEN TO ALL LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE AND ARTISTIC DISCIPLINARY.
A LIMITED NUMBER IS AVAILABLE!

Enquiry

PHOTOS FROM LAST WORKSHOP (DEC 2022)

WORKSHOP DETAILS

FACILITATORS
Yumi Umiumare (Movement)
Kayo Tamura (Drama)
Kyoko Amara (Voice)

WHEN
Thu 30 March - Mon 3 April 2023

WHERE
Raven’s Nest
Venus Bay, South Gippsland

COST
Early Bird - $650 Full/ $550Concession
Standard - $690Full / $590Concession
(All meals are included, Japanese vegetarian)

ACCOMMODATION
Participants will be camping (BYO Tent) amongst the beauty of the bush on this private land to allow for a deeper connection to Mother Earth. There are also rooms available in the house, for those wishing more comfort. Beds are limited so book your spot now!  

PLANNED SCHEDULE - (subject to be changed)

Thursday 30 March

By 5pm Arriving, settle in, setting up tent etc
6:30pm Dinner 
8pm Session 1 (Gathering) 

Friday 31 March

6:30 am Silent Walk and exercise
Breakfast 8am
10-1pm Session 2
Lunch 1:15pm
3-6pm Session 3
Dinner 6:30 pm
8pm Session 4 (Gathering) 

Saturday 1 April

6:30 am Silent Walk and exercise
Breakfast 8am
10-1pm Session 5
Lunch 1:15pm
3-6pm Session 6
Dinner 6:30 pm
8pm Session 7 (Gathering) 

Sunday 2 April

6:30 am Silent Walk and exercise
Breakfast 8am
10-1pm Session 8
Lunch 1:15pm 
3-6pm Session 9
Dinner 6:30 pm
8pm performance preparation
9pm Performance

Monday 3 April

Breakfast 8am
Gathering, debrief and packing
10:30 am Departure

Cancellation Policy and Procedures

Once payment has been received via Trybooking, any cancellations must be made in writing to here.

1) Cancellations made in writing 4 weeks prior to the commencement of a Workshop will receive a 100% refund with the deduction of the Trybooking handling fee.

2) Cancellations made in writing 2 weeks prior to the commencement of a Workshop will receive a 50% refund.

3) Cancellations made less than 2 weeks before the commencement of Workshop or no-show will receive no refund.

4) There is no full/partial refund when/where the Participant does not appear at any day of the Workshop due to their own personal reasons outside Teachers(Yumi Umiumare, Kayo Tamura and Kyoko Amara)’s control including but not limited to illness; illness of any person accompanying you to the event, or other person for whom you need to care; transport failure or delay; or where you choose not to attend the event.

Butoh Residential Workshop 9 (Fri) - 12 (Mon) Dec 2022

Butoh, Ritual, Spiril
9 (Fri)-12(Mon) Dec 2022
At Raven’s Nest, Venus Bay, South Gippsland

Butoh, Ritual, Spirit

This popular Butoh residential workshop is moving to the new stunning beach location in Venus Bay.

2 hours from Melbourne , the Raven’s Nest is located in Venus Bay, 14 Acres of Water Front, Forested Sanctuary in South Gippsland. There are 2 Storey, 4 Bedroom House with Sunrise to Sunset Views, Yurt, Massive Deck Spaces, Outdoor Dance Floors and camping Areas, Private Walking Tracks & National Park access,

Over the 4 days, Yumi will introduce various skills and methods of Butoh, channeling our internal and external creative expression. The stillness and wildness of the landscape enables us to explore our deeper and authentic "being" and helps to cleanse our busy thoughts. Through sharing food and gentle conversation, Yumi will lead participants to explore their consciousness of well-being, essence of ‘personal ritual’ from breathing, walking, moving, and occasional screaming and laughter.

Butoh舞踏,originally called Ankoku Butoh (Dance of Darkness), was conceived in Japan during the late 50’s and early 60’s during the social turmoil after the war and sought to find an expression through dance. Rather than aspiring to an aesthetic ideal, the dance attempts to expose the joys and sorrows of life, exploring the most fundamental elements of physical and psychological existence. Yumi is renown for combining Butoh (the darkness) with lightness and a sense of humour to embrace a wholistic humanity.

Details:

Where: Raven’s Nest in Venus Bay.(2 hours from Melbourne)

When: 9(Fri)-12(Mon) December 2022

Cost : $390/$420 (Early Bird ) $420/$490

(Vegetarian meals are included)

Accommodation: Participants will be camping amongst the beauty of the bush to allow for a deeper connection to Mother Earth.
Additional options for beds available on request, during the booking process.

THE WORKSHOP IS OPEN TO ALL LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE AND ARTISTIC DISCIPLINARY.
A LIMITED NUMBER IS AVAILABLE!

Enquiry

Booking

PLANNED SCHEDULE
(subject to be changed)

FRIDAY 9 DEC
By 5pm Arriving, setting up tent, and settle in
6:30pm Dinner 
8pm Session 1 (Gathering) 

SATURDAY 10 DEC
6:30 am Silent Walk and Exercise
Breakfast
10-1pm Session2
Lunch 
3-6pm Session 3
Dinner
8pm Session 4 (Gathering) 

SUNDAY 8 DEC
6:30 am Silent Walk and Exercise
Breakfast
10-1pm Session5
Lunch 
3-6pm Session 6
Dinner
8pm~  Performance preparation and Performance

MONDAY 9 DEC
Breakfast
Gathering, debrief and packing
10:30am Departure

Photo of the Raven’s Nest



Butoh and Body Weather residential workshop in Dec 2018

Residential workshop exploring the discipline of Butoh and Body Weather, Led by

Yumi Umiumare & Frank van de Ven (Amsterdam)

On the Wimmera River, 15kms west of Horsham, our base will be a 130-acre site near Mt Arapiles with a variety of bush, scrub, sand dunes, open fields, river and elevated rock - allowing participants to experience and open up the senses to colour, texture, sound and shapes. Through the powerful combination of Butoh and Body Weather, Yumi and Frank will guide participants in creating movement, stillness, and dance in response to landscape and nature.

YUMI UMIUMARE is an established Butoh Dancer and choreographer and has been creating her distinctive style of works over the last 25 years. Her works are renowned for provoking visceral emotions and questioning cultural identity. The works have been seen in numerous festivals in dance, theatre and film productions throughout Australia, Japan, Europe, New Zealand, South East Asia and South America, and have received critical acclaim and garnered several Australian Green Room awards. As a choreographer, Yumi has worked with many socially engaged theatre projects in Australia with aboriginal communities, refugees, culturally diverse people and disability groups. In this workshop Yumi is going to explore the elements of Ritual, Ceremony and Gateway to the unknown.

FRANK VAN DE VEN is a dancer and director who spent his formative years in Japan working with Min Tanaka and the Maijuku Performance Company (1983-92). In 1993, he founded with Katerina Bakatsaki Body Weather Amsterdam as a platform for training and performance. He has an ongoing commitment to his Body/Landscape series of workshops conducted worldwide and since 1995 he has led the annual, interdisciplinary Bohemiae Rosa Project with renowned Czech artist Milos Sejn, connecting body and landscape with art, geology and architecture.In these days, Frank will focus on how the body is itself a landscape in a wider surrounding landscape. Body Weather was introduced in Australia by Tess de Quincey in 1989, see more detail about the BodyWeather

13(Thur)-17 (Mon) December 2018

Arrival 13th late afternoon, Leaving 17th morning

PRICE
$460/430 (Early Bird Special by 15 NOV $430/410!)

(Vegetarian meals of 5days included)

Numbers are limited so please book early!

Booking and Enquiry

Draft Schedule

Workshop on durational performance

Through a style of her renowned durational work, PopUp Tearoom Series, Yumi will guide participants to explore the elements of rituals, performance, installation and gateways towards ‘unknown’.

Introducing also basic methods and philosophy of Butoh and tea ceremony, Yumi facilitates the workshop for participants to stimulate and search their own unique rituals and ‘authentic’ movements, working through images, narrative and abstraction. The mundane gestures and daily objects can be transformed into their own imaginary world of performance installation.

No dance, performance and art backgrounds are required.

LINK

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Photo from Con-TemporariTEA at Testing Ground, Mapping Melbourne 2017

Transmute Butoh Caberet: University of Melbourne

Melbourne’s legendary Yumi Umiumare, leads student performers in the creation of a playful, transgressive and hyper-energized hybrid. Combining the physical extremes of butoh and the emotional intimacy of cabaret, Trans-Mute will reframe everyday stories as strange outlandish songs and dances.

Director/Devisor – Yumi Umiumare
Dramaturg – Tom Gutteridge
Designer – Ellen Strasser
Assistant Director/Sound Designer – Felix Ho
Lighting Designer – Matthew Seah
Lighting Mentor – Richard Vabre
Photography: Vikk Shayen

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