"In Butoh, dance is connected to the forces that come from the center of the earth and simply pass through the body. The dancer is not doing the movement; the movement is coming through them."
— Akaji Maro (DaiRakudakan)

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Butoh is often mysterious, abstract, and esoteric, yet it can also act as a creative gateway, a catalyst for transformation, and a path to unexpected breakthroughs. In this unique workshop, Australian-based Japanese Butoh dancer and choreographer Yumi Umiumare will guide participants through an exploration of Butoh’s physical and philosophical dimensions, blending classical techniques with contemporary interpretations.

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Yumi’s workshop also incorporates her deep passion for ritual and ceremony, combining elements of the Japanese Tea Ceremony and her recent focus on Jujutsu 呪術, a form of Japanese shamanism. This immersive experience is open to both seasoned practitioners and those new to Butoh, offering a profound opportunity for personal and creative discovery.

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Special Focus Points

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

• Symbolism and Ritual:
  Explore the rich symbolism and ritualistic elements of Butoh, discovering the philosophy behind the Japanese Tea Ceremony and its core values of 和 (harmony), 敬 (respect), 清 (purity), and 寂 (tranquility), abstracted through contemporary Butoh styles.

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

• Transformation and Self-Expression:
  Experience catharsis through movement, ritual, and spiritual exploration, releasing deep emotions and tension while discovering new forms of self-expression.
   

Participation: Open for all who have the experience or curiosity of movement practices, art and nature. No previous experience is needed.

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Yumi Umiumare

(Butoh dancer, choreographer )

Yumi is an established Japanese Butoh dancer, choreographer, and
creator of Butoh Cabaret works. She moved from Japan to Australia in
1993 after touring with the seminal Japanese Butoh company
DaiRakudakan. For over 30 years, Yumi has been creating her distinctive
style of works, renowned for provoking visceral emotions and engaging
with cultural identities with a sense of humour. Her creations have been
seen across Australia, Japan, Europe, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and
South America, and have been featured in numerous festivals worldwide.
As a choreographer, Yumi has worked on many socially engaged theatre
projects with Australian Aboriginal communities, refugees, culturally
diverse groups, and inclusive companies. She has been the artistic director
of ButohOUT! in Melbourne since 2017, playing an active role in the

international contemporary Butoh scene. Yumi’s recent works focus on
Dance, Tea, and Spirit, seeking deeper integration between the arts and
spirituality.

www.yumi.com.au

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Artist supported by:

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