A unique opportunity to step into the world of Butoh dance in Iceland and immerse yourself in a journey of self-discovery and artistic expression under the expert guidance of Ichihara Akihito, a celebrated Butoh artist, soloist and dance master of the world renowned Sankai Juku dance company in Japan. The workshop is designed for both beginners and experienced performers, providing a safe and supportive environment to explore the essence of Butoh. Butoh is not just a dance form but also a philosophy and a way of life. It encourages a deep connection with the body and the subconscious, exploring the boundaries between the conscious and unconscious mind. Learn the fundamental techniques of Butoh, including its unique movement vocabulary and expressive potential. In the sessions, we will work on the ‘Ichihara method’, which is based on the ‘Sankai Juku method’, combined with physical training, improvisation, and choreographed sequences. Participants are invited to perform with Ichihara at the end of the workshop in the amphitheater of Veröld - Hús Vigdísar Finnbogadóttur.  Costumes and make-up will be provided.

For Ichihara, Butoh and dance are about sharing and empathizing with images and experiences. We would be happy if the people who participated together enjoyed it and found it useful in their own activities and lives. Therefore, we will allow you to take photos and videos of the workshop. You are also free to post on SNS etc. We would be happy if it helps you spread the word about your activities and expand your network.

Held at Dansverkstæðið, Hjarðarhaga 47, 107 Reykjavík

Time: June 24 - 28 from 13:00 - 17:00

Price: 34.900.-

Early bird, ending June 17th: 27.900.-

*Check your union for refund

Biography

Akihito Ichihara is a Japanese Butoh dancer (ELF, Sankai Juku).

Ichihara started acting in his teenage years. In the 1980s, he was greatly influenced by watching the renowned Butoh troupe Sankai Juku on TV, which inspired him to explore a greater range of physical expression on stage. In 1993, he majored in theater at Nihon University College of Art. He was moved to pursue a Butoh career in 1994; in 1996, he studied under Semimaru, a founding member of Sankai Juku. In 1997, he appeared as a dancer in an opera directed by Ushio Amagatsu, the artistic director and choreographer of Sankai Juku, and later joined Sankai Juku. Since then, he has been featured in Sankai Juku’s entire repertoire and most of Sankai Juku’s world tours. Ichihara is very active in various media, including the performing arts: theater, dance, and Butoh. In addition to his solo projects, he has worked with the most significant butoh dancers and butoh troupes in the history of contemporary Butoh. Since the 2005 recreation of “Kinkan Shonen” (which premiered in 1978), he has danced solos in some of Sankai Juku’s performances and has led the group dances as one of the principal dancers. He is also in charge of the design and production of the accessories dancers wear on stage. Parallel to his work with Sankai Juku, he collaborates with various choreographers, directors, and dance groups worldwide. He is also a guest faculty at Okayama University Graduate School and a guest speaker at international forums. In 2022, he founded the dance company “ELF” with young dancers. Since then, ELF has held workshops and presented works at renowned institutions and universities worldwide. In the spring of 2023, ELF went on tour in Latin America in Bogota, Colombia, and various locations in Mexico, Taiwan and San Francisco. These activities received critical acclaim and repeat invitations. The company plans a world tour in 2024. For many years, Sankai Juku has continued to refine and systematize its techniques while performing around the world. Ichihara believes that this “Sankai Juku method” is the “dance d'école” of Butoh and is proud to have been deeply involved in this. Ichihara and ELF have received high acclaim worldwide with their workshops and performances based on the Sankai Juku method. While many underground and grotesque expressions exist in Butoh, Ichihara, and ELF’s Butoh dance has deeply resonated with people worldwide. This dance is based on the “Sankai Juku Method,” a method accessible to everyone. By developing this method, Ichihara aims to go beyond Butoh by developing a dance technique that can bring a higher level of excellence to professional dancers in ballet, modern, and contemporary dance. Ichihara hopes to continue learning, collaborating, progressing, and contributing to the development of dance worldwide. He is interested in creating and directing various dance projects that transcend borders, cultural differences, and styles of expression. His goal is to do this worldwide, even between countries and cities that still bear the scars of war. He would like to contribute by acting as a bridge and connecting people across the borders despite their differences. By sharing physical expressions, dancing, and empathizing with each other, the hope is to transcend borders and contribute to peace efforts worldwide. Based on this idea, ELF advocates a ”Dance Project without Borders.”

Butoh dance performance held at the end of the workshop at Vigdísartorg amphitheater at Veröld - House of Vigdís Finnbogadóttir.

Photos: María Theodóra Ólafsdóttir