Philadelphia Butoh Collective

Dance, Interdisciplinary, Performance Art, Visual Arts

The word Butoh derives from Ankoku Butoh, translated as “Dance of Utter Darkness.” Butoh is a journey into the unconscious body, giving voice to what is discovered within that vast inner landscape. It is a Japanese dance and performance practice that emerged in postwar Japan. Since its emergence in the late 1950s and early 1960s, Butoh has evolved into a diverse international art form practiced throughout Asia, Europe, the Americas, and beyond. At its heart, Butoh is a practice centered on perception, sensation, embodiment, and the capacity to listen deeply to the body.
The Philadelphia Butoh Collective presents two original works collectively developed by its facilitators and students. Through the lens of Butoh, these performances weave together movement, poetry, music, surreal imagery, and visual art to explore the deeper dimensions of human experience. By attending to gravity, sensation, memory, imagination, environment, and transformation, performers cultivate heightened sensitivity to both inner and outer worlds. Rather than imposing movement from the outside, Butoh invites movement to emerge from a profound relationship with the body and its sensations, revealing unexpected landscapes of expression, vulnerability, and presence.

Details

Run Time: 90 mins

Ticket Price: $25

PWYC Options $5+

PWYC Options $10+

Venue: The Perch (Warehouse)

Dates: September 13, 2026 - September 20, 2026

Buy Tickets

September 13, 2026 1.00pm

2321 Emerald St

General Admission: $25

PWYC Options

September 20, 2026 6.30pm

2321 Emerald St

General Admission: $25

PWYC Options

About the Artist

The Philadelphia Butoh Collective was founded to create an accessible and supportive environment for the study and practice of Butoh dance in Philadelphia. The collective brings together dancers interested in exploring movement as a vehicle for expression, transformation, and creative discovery.
Drawing inspiration from the rich traditions of Butoh while embracing contemporary approaches to improvisation and interdisciplinary performance, the collective offers weekly classes, workshops, and performance opportunities open to individuals of all experience levels.
The Philadelphia Butoh Collective believes movement is a powerful tool for personal exploration, artistic development, and community building. Through a shared commitment to curiosity, embodiment, and experimentation, the collective continues to grow as a space where participants can engage deeply with the body, imagination, and the creative process.
All bodies, all ages, all backgrounds, and all experience levels are welcome.

Miranda MacDougallPerformermirandalynn.macdougall@gmail.com
Tyler KlinePerformerPhiladelphiabutohcollective@gmail.com
Sina TafazoliChoreographer/PerformerTafazoli@princeton.edu
Hank RamaikasChoreographer/PerformerCoolguyhank@gmail.com
Baylor OdabashianPerformer
Michelle DunnPerformer
Gisella GordonPerformerGordonzgi@icloud.com
4x3 (Ensemble)Performers

Accessibility & Content Considerations

Contact the Fringe Festival Box Office for up to date accessibility information.

This event is appropriate for ages 18+

Strobe/Flashing Lights

Covid-19 Safety policy

This event does not require masks to be worn