BUTOH RESIDENTIAL WORKSHOP by YUMI UMIUMARE
DATE
4(Thur)-7(Sun) December 2025
COST
$680/$580 (Early Bird Book by 20 Oct)
$720/$620
(Vegetarian meals are included)
ABOUT
Step into the mystery of Butoh, Japan’s subversive dance form, through 4days of movement, ritual, and transformation!
This popular annual residential workshop returns, inviting participants to discover their own creative expression and mystery through the physical and philosophical approach of Butoh—a Japanese contemporary and subversive dance form.
Over four days, Yumi will introduce both practical and ‘mysterious’ methods of Butoh, channeling our internal and external creative expression. The stillness and wildness of the landscape will enable us to explore our deeper, authentic 'being,' and to cleanse our busy thoughts.
Over two hours from Melbourne, the Raven’s Nest is located in Venus Bay: a 14-acre waterfront, forested sanctuary in South Gippsland. It features a two-storey, four-bedroom house with sunrise-to-sunset views, a yurt, expansive decks, outdoor dance floors, camping areas, private walking tracks, and direct access to the national park.
Through sharing food and gentle conversation, participants can explore a consciousness of well-being, as well as the essence of ‘personal ritual’—through breathing, walking, moving, and even occasional screaming and laughter. The workshop allows you to explore the intersection of movement, ritual, and spirituality—fostering a deeper connection to yourself, to others, and to the world around you.
Originally called the “Dance of Darkness,” 舞踏 Butoh contains many layers of practice and philosophy. Yumi believes it exists beyond duality—where darkness and light are not fixed states, and one always contains the seeds of the other. Through the magic and mystery of Butoh, ‘beauty’ can be ugly, and ‘ugly’ can be beautiful. Broken things can become catalysts for transformation.
Yumi is renowned for combining Butoh (the darkness) with lightness and humour, embracing a holistic humanity.
ACCOMMODATION
Participants will be camping amongst the beauty of the bush to allow for a deeper connection to Mother Earth.
Additional options for beds available on request, during the booking process.
THE WORKSHOP IS OPEN TO ALL LEVEL OF EXPERIENCES AND ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES! PLACES ARE LIMITED!
Location
Raven’s Nest in Venus Bay. (2 hours from Melbourne)
816 Lees Rd,, Venus Bay VIC 3956
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