Butoh Dance Training: Secrets of Japanese Dance through the Alishina Method

by Juju Alishina, Corinna Torregiani (Translator)

Overview

Drawing on avant garde and classical Japanese dance traditions, the Alishina Method offers a systematized approach to Butoh dance training for the first time in its history. With practical instruction and fully illustrated exercises, this book teaches readers:
· basic body training and expression exercises
· exercises to cultivate Qi (energy) and to aid improvisation
· about katas (forms) and how to develop your own
· the importance of voice, sound and music in Butoh
· to collaborate and be in harmony with others
· techniques to manipulate time and space
· how to develop the imagination and refine the senses to enrich performance.
This authentic approach to Japanese dance will be compelling reading for anyone interested in contemporary dance, performance arts, Japanese culture or personal development techniques.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781848192768
Publisher:	Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Publication date:	07/21/2015
Edition description:	Translatio
Pages:	296
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Born in Kobe, Japan, in 1963, Juju Alishina is a Japanese dancer and choreographer. She has trained in traditional Japanese dance and Butoh. In 1990 in Tokyo, she founded her own dance company, NUBA, in the pursuit of a new style of Butoh. In 1998, Juju Alishina moved her company to Paris and since then has developed her own methods, beyond Butoh dance, both in Paris and abroad. She has also taught Japanese dance (traditional and Butoh) in universities in the USA and has lead several artistic and educational activities worldwide. This book was first published in Japan in 2010 and the French translation followed in February 2013.

Table of Contents

Preface 9

The Future of Butoh 12

Teaching Method 20

Part 1 Body training: basic exercises

1.1 Seiza, breathing and relaxation technique 26

1.2 The back 36

1.3 Arms, shoulders and neck 45

1.4 The torso, the lower back and the intercostal muscles 52

1.5 Feet, legs and hip joint 59

1.6 The face 69

1.7 Hands-fingers 82

1.8 Handstand and headstand 90

1.9 Relevant elements in dance instruction 99

1.10 Dancing as a professional 106

Part 2 Qi training, improvisation

2.1 Qi training, improvisation 116

2.2 Waving 129

2.3 About improvisation 138

2.4 Qi transmission, connections 147

2.5 Standing up, walking 158

2.6 The baby, the beast 174

2.7 Quality of movement 187

2.8 The spiral, the 8 197

2.9 Disassociated movements (Activation of brain functions/training the prefrontal cortex) 204

Part 3 Application

3.1 Immobility 212

3.2 Creating a picture (Dealing with space) 220

3.3 Sounds (The relationship between dance and music) 229

3.4 Voice, training 239

3.5 Transmission games 244

3.6 About reproduction and imitation 250

3.7 Strengthening the five senses 254

3.8 Developing the sense of time and space 260

3.9 Kosoku Mai 267

3.10 Creation and evaluation 277

Afterword 285

Bibliography 291

Biography 293

Editorial Reviews

Juju Alishina is an important and bold cultural innovator and searing performer. This writing captures the grace and power of Juju's teaching through clear exercises that offer students and teachers alike entrée into a form of Butoh infused with traditional Japanese movement practices. Rich with imagery, these lessons are layered with the wisdom, experience, and deep research of a master.

Andrew Belser