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December 10th 11am to 3pm 

and December 11th 3pm to 7pm 

Chisenhale Dance Space, 

64-84 Chisenhale Road 

E3 5QZ

 

Cost: 150 pounds 

Bookings via paypal 

(or email for other payment options)

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The black moment is the moment when the real message of transformation is going to come. At the darkest moment comes the light.

                                                Joseph Campbell

 

 

These two days are dedicated to creating a creative and holding space for participants to explore longer improvisations. Each day begins with a structured warm up and training techniques.  We then focus on moving between witness and dancer, allowing for the sharing of material in longer image-led or free improvisation structures which can be solo, duo or group, as determined by the participant preferences. This workshop is an ideal opportunity for those who have done previous Butoh or similar dance workshops to really spend much longer in sustained movement, supported by a process of witnessing, sharing and peer and facilitated feedback. You will have the space and opportunity to enter the moment between exploration, play and ‘performance’. 

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The suggested improvisation image-based tasks are focused on the theme of ‘descent and return’ as we mark the end of the year, the nearing Winter Solstice, and the embrace of darkness, before the re-emergence of light again. Mythologically, this is the time of the crone, or old man, of a descent into a cave or underworld, and then the return of light and the maiden. The dominant element is fire. 

 

For those wishing to join, who have not previously practiced any Butoh, then some more structured material can be given, and you can learn as much from doing as observing. 

 

Feel free to bring and wear costume or a simple prop (please check with MGR for safety issues on this prior). 

 

Composer and multi-instrumentalist Nick Parkin will provide live improvised sound scores via percussive instruments and electronic mixing of his own material. This is really a unique opportunity to have the luxury of bespoke sound for your improvisations! 

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