Butoh Summer Residential Workshop - 4-7 Dec 2025

Photo by Namchops/ Design by Alex White

Excerpt from Butoh Residential WS 2019 @ Arisaig Wellness Restreat

Butoh- Through magic & Mystery
舞踏 -その神秘と不可思議さ

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.

Just over 1.5 hours from Melbourne, Arisaig Wellness Retreat is nestled in Yandoit, near Castlemaine. Set on 100 acres of serene bushland, surrounded by stunning Australian native flora, it offers hidden corners and quiet spaces that create the perfect refuge. The beautiful studio, designed to capture an abundance of natural light, provides uninterrupted views of the surrounding wilderness.

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.

THE WORKSHOP IS OPEN TO ALL LEVEL OF EXPERIENCES AND ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES!

PLACES ARE LIMITED!

PLANNED SCHEDULE
(subject to be changed)

THURSDAY 4 DEC
 By 5pm Arriving, setting up tent, and settle in
 6:30pm Dinner 
 8pm Session 1 (Gathering and Greeting) 

FRIDAY 5 DEC
 6:30 am Silent Walk and Exercise
 Breakfast
 10-1pm Session 2
 Lunch 
 3-6pm Session 3
 Dinner
 8pm Session 4 (Gathering) 

SATURDAY 6 DEC
 6:30 am Silent Walk and Exercise
 Breakfast
 10-1pm Session 5
 Lunch 
 3-6pm Session 6
 Dinner
 8pm ~  Performance preparation and Performance

SUNDAY 7 DEC
 Breakfast
 Gathering, debrief and packing
11 am Departure

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WORKSHOP DETAILS

FACILITATORS
Yumi Umiumare

WHEN
Thur 4- Sun 7 Dec 2025
(arrive by 5pm on Thursday 4th, finishing late morning on Sunday 7th)

WHERE
Arisaig Wellness Retreat
Yandoit, Victoria


COST
Early Bird - by 22 Oct 2025
$680 Full / $590 Concession
Standard
$720 Full / $630 Concession

(Including All Training/Workshops, Camping Space, Vegetarian Meals and access to Toilet and Shower)

ACCOMMODATION
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.

Terms & Conditions