Butoh, Receptivity and the Nervous System with Vangeline; of the New York Butoh Institute

Date: Saturday 4th May 2024

Time: 10:00 - 15:00 GMT

Location: Dance City

In this workshop, Vangeline teaches participants to explore the link between receptivity and Butoh, as well as receptivity’s impact on the nervous system. This work focuses on relaxation techniques and the parasympathetic nervous system, supported by the technique of Noguchi Taiso. Noguchi Taiso, or Noguchi gymnastics, is the foundation of Butoh. Professor Noguchi developed this release technique in Japan between the 1950s and 1970s, searching for a method “devoid of ego or violence”. What can we allow to blossom when we deeply release tension and enter a harmonious dialogue with gravity?

Zen practitioners often feel a sense of support by sitting together in the zendo. We can also understand that Butoh is born from exchange and communal work. Because Butoh is not about “showing,” it is also not about judging what we’ve been shown. Together in movement led by acclaimed Butoh performer Vangeline, participants will experience an opportunity for great opening.

No dance or Butoh experience is necessary; this is an all-level class, and beginners are welcome. Some experience with mindfulness or somatic practice can be helpful.

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Pricing: full day workshop is priced at £40

Concession: We aim to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder your participation in our workshop, which is why we offer a concession price of £25. If you require additional assistance or wish to discuss further reductions, please don't hesitate to email [email protected]

Vangeline, Artists’ Statement

“We carry Butoh into the 21st century”.

Whether we explore the Self through words, images, music, or movement, we symbolically offer to others a vision and a statement about who we are. By undertaking this journey into ourselves, we help define and shape collective ideals. Butoh leads us back to our conflicts and wounded selves and, through the process, brings what is hidden into the light. The process is profoundly healing and transformative.

Shedding various masks and layers of conditioning leads to more honesty. When we are stripped of our defences, we can offer our best. We become more capable of intimacy. We can be fully creative. Butoh can take us on a path to embracing ourselves fully, transforming our Shadow, and finding beauty and strength from the depth of our fragility. It can be an instrument of personal and collective transformation in the 21st century. This transformation comes from holding a mirror to each other and integrating our many facets - the beautiful and the ugly; and from reintegrating the forgotten of our society into our midst.

Former experience in Butoh, dance, or meditation is optional for participation in this activity.

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