Ankoku Butoh

Ankoku Butoh is a form of avant-garde dance that originated in Japan in the late 1950s. It is characterized by its stark, often grotesque movements and a focus on themes of darkness, existentialism, and the human condition. Developed by choreographers like Tatsumi Hijikata and Kazuo Ohno, Butoh explores surreal images and emotions, often performed in unconventional spaces. Dancers use slow, controlled movements, and often wear white body paint, evoking a haunting, otherworldly presence. It invites audiences to confront their own feelings about life, death, and the unseen aspects of existence, making it a profound artistic expression.