Photo: Gunnar Stening
Creating a dancing and a performing body
”Through re-defining the body and space, possibilities for movement are found. A specific quality/tension of the body which will be able to communicate to the audience is the artistic goal. The body is pushed beyond personal limits and re-constructed, thus developing new tools for making dance. To dance you need the courage to challenge your body.”
Training in the SU-EN Butoh Method takes approximately 5 years to master. The training is structured in various parts leading up to the final and most important stage – perform on stage. Talented dancers may be accepted as apprentices in the company and join in more advanced productions and training. In a shorter workshop the participant may get a first introduction to the work.
For current workshop schedule see Action plan
For clarifications regarding the lineage and copyright of SU-EN Butoh Method see SU-EN Butoh Method policy
Photo: SBCO
Basic Training
In this work the focus is on researching the body and posture. Through exercises involving questioning the basic realities such as breathing, gravity, shape, endurance and balance we challenge habits and structures. The body is erased and expanded and therefore more receptive to the dance training.
Body Materials and Choreographic Process
This work is based on the teachings of Yoko Ashikawa and Tomoe Shizune, with traces from Tatsumi Hijikata’s butoh-fu. The Body Materials have been further developed by SU-EN since 1994. The training aims at exchanging the social and functional body to artistic material. Inspiration comes from nature and the various living, organic materials, and other living creatures. Inspiration also comes from various pictures of visual artists, sounds, concrete experiences etc. Choreographic process, improvisations and structure for the art work is developed from the Body Materials.
Practical work and intellectual approach
All participants in workshops, camps and projects are expected to join in practical work around the garden, grounds and house. This is a very precious way of understanding more the Butoh Body and learn from interacting with nature. Parallel to the training we also encourage students to watch performances on video and read about art form. The library at Haglund is available for workshop participants.
Outdoor Training
Emphasizing on perception and reality research. This work is done outside in the surrounding landscape, season or weather. Some work is done blindfolded, and some with partner and impulses.
Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship is a long term program where the participants join in the artistic activities of SU-EN Butoh Company. For being a candidate for this you must first attend some camps and performances and later have an interview with SU-EN.
Performance Projects
The stage experience is crucial for the development of the dancer. Only on stage it all makes sense.
In a performance project the participants will be choreographed by SU-EN in a real performance situation. Participants will take part in the production of the piece including making the costumes and other practical tasks.
A performance project is open also to beginners but priority is given to more experienced students. If you prove not to be so fit for performing you will be put in minor parts.