Butoh Inspired

Butoh is a style of dance that originated in Japan in the 1960s as a reaction to the more Western styles of dance (such as ballet) that were prevalent at the time. The style is characterized by slow, highly controlled, and often contorted movements. The dancers are typically nude or wearing a simple cloth, and covered in ash-like makeup or white paint. The emotional expression and body language are often quite dark and/or surreal.

The models in these photographs are NOT dancers, nor was there any attempt to reproduce a scene from a particular Butoh performance. The intent was to produce original and expressive images that reflect the spirit and language of Butoh. Flour, clay and ash makeup powder were used with the models.

(Click on a thumbnail to see a larger image. Hover over the larger image to see the title, if one has been assigned.)