I recall once boldly informing my friend, and Butoh performer, Bridget Scott that my impression of Butoh - for the most part - was that it was a little self indulgent... That was based on a few performances by some less experienced types that perhaps went on for a tad too long... combined with my lack of any real understanding.
Having now been fortunate enough to have witnessed Bridget performing on several occasions and also having attended one of her fabulous Butoh workshops to learn the basics and explore my own inner Butoh style - I can tell you that it is a mesmerising privilege to witness someone reach deep inside and reveal their soul in front of an audience.
These images are from a recent event at Kyoto's Alti Hall as part of national Culture week - Bridget and her co-performer, renowned local musician Christopher Fryman, were hand-selected by a panel from the many who auditioned - quite a coup for a foreign duo - the only non Japanese to be included in the programme as far as I know.
Bridget's next Butoh workshop is this Sunday 18th of December from 10am -1pm. It may already be booked out but if you are interested it is worth attempting to get a spot anyway - for reservations and directions contact Bridget directly on bridgetscottnow@me.com. Do it now!!
I have only been to one workshop so far and it was one of the most grounding experiences I have had in some time. So not what I had expected to be honest. I really enjoyed it and it did push me out of my comfort zone in the most gentle way - I highly recommend it.
Bridget has been performing Butoh for over 20 years and is also a highly accomplished Nihon Buyoh dancer - that is the traditional Japanese dance that you might most likely have seen being performed by a Geiko (Geisha) or Maiko (trainee Geisha). A very talented lady indeed - and let's not forget what a fabulous Shiatsu therapist she is - more on that here.
Anyway - here's a little taste of the Culture Week performance:
And below - some of the adoring fans including some of my favourite people in Kyoto...
Meet some of the gang - Kathy, Michiko, Christopher Fryman, Paul, Bridget, Mark,Tad, Elsbeth, Gary and Liz
oh and I snuck myself into a couple of pics too -didn't want to miss out on the group shot!
Congrats Burijitto san! xx
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