The class will make an inquiry into the transformative nature of the body exploring unique individual expression drawn from Butoh with a somatic approach.
Butoh is a form of Japanese avant-garde dance which emerged in the late 50s in post war Japan. Influenced by German Expressionism, self-identity was radically explored through bodily expression.
Shifting attention from ‘action’ to ‘active listening’ we will explore Butoh’s culturally diverse perspectives. Moving from sensory impulse we will seek ways to embody imagery and sensation and dance in groups, pairs and individuals in both dynamic and quiet practice. All welcome.
Yumino Seki is a Japanese dance artist, Butoh practitioner and qualified somatic movement educator who performs, teaches and makes performances in collaboration with artists from diverse backgrounds. She trained in both classical and contemporary dance in Japan.
Between 1999-2009 she performed extensively in Europe in Butoh predominantly with Tadashi Endo, Yumiko Yoshioka and Carlotta Ikeda. In 2012 she qualified in VMI Somatic Practice with Patricia Bardi in Amsterdam.
Since 2013 Seki has further developed her Butoh and somatic work and directed cross-discipline performances which include ACE-funded Hyakki Yakou (2013) & Manjusaka (2014/2015). Key commissioners include ExploreTheArch, Earl Street Creative Space and The Japan Foundation, Cairo.
Expanding her work in theatre, music and film she has collaborated in work by visual artist Zadie Xa for her live exhibition projects including 58th Venice Biennale, Art Night, Dance International Glasgow and The National Gallery, London.