Butoh Family Workshop with Judith Kajiwara

Through the life cycle of a silkworm — from cocoon to moth, eggs, hungry caterpillars, and back to cocoon — we will explore the meaning of transformation. Using the elements of Japanese Butoh dance, participating families will learn about focus, slow and quick motion, stillness, moving with feeling, and moving both together as a unit and individually. Each family will also have the option to perform a short, self-choreographed piece. Please wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to dance without shoes. Recommended for children ages 6–12.

About the Artist

Judith Kajiwara is an Oakland-based Butoh solo performing artist, choreographer, and teacher of Butoh and contemporary dance. Spanning a 50-year career, her passion for dance began at age four and continues today. She was lured into the mysteries of Butoh when she attended a performance by Koichi and Hiroko Tamano in the late 1970s. Decades later, she decided to self-train exclusively in Butoh and, in 1996, performed her first Butoh solo, The Ballad of Machiko, at NOHspace. Over the next 30 years, her countless Butoh solo works have become known for creating characters that weave an emotional and spiritual intimacy with her audiences. In 2013, Judith formed OnenessButoh, a grassroots ensemble that ran for seven seasons until 2020. In addition to Butoh, Judith loves teaching a high-energy “Let’s Groove” dance class for seniors at J-Sei, a Japanese American community center in Emeryville. With numerous certifications in energy healing, she also runs Reiki Wellness at J-Sei with a team of Reiki practitioners who provide treatments for the community.