Shinichi Iova-Koga
Butoh – Temporal Transformations

In the 1960’s, the avant-garde arts in Japan flourished in an atmosphere of protest and civil dis-obedience. Japanese identity was confusingly intertwined with American values and cultural transformation. Within this bewildering environment, performing arts such as Butoh Dance emerged, touching on and deconstructing the extremes between Western modern dance and Japanese traditional arts.

The first steps towards transformation exist in time. In this workshop, the role of time in Butoh is explored through the suspension, extension, and compression of the temporal experience, using physical precision and imagistic fluidity to open the potential of the moment. Complex and nuanced forces shape the gesture, arising when the gates of the mind, energy, and body open.

The exercises focus on energy-efficient movement and connectivity to build clarity and stability, as well as the connection between body and mind. With this foundation, the chaotic stream of images and impulses materialise as a play between opposing forces.

A mix of improvisation and guided instruction opens doorways to the unknown. Once past the threshold, the dance begins.