Intensive Butoh Workshop
with Vangeline
in Florence, Italy
“NO EXPLANATION NEEDED”
Butoh and Somatic Practices workshop
with Vangeline and Giada Matteini
This workshop is week 1 of 2 of WADE’s annual Dance HUB: Italy training program.
WORKSHOP DETAILS:
Dates: Monday, July 1st through Saturday, July 6th
Location: Murate Art District of Firenze, Piazza delle Murate, 50122 Firenze, Italia
Dance HUB: Italy 2024 has two (2) confirmed performances during Week 1:
Friday, July 5th: The Season: an evening of dance with the artists of WADE directed by Giada Matteini, NYU Assistant Arts Professor, and Vangeline, Butoh Master teacher. WADE, in collaboration with Vangeline, presents a Butoh work responding to the architecture and beauty of the Villa la Pietra Gardens. International dance artists will create evocative vignettes of longing, belonging, and growth immersing the audience in a dreamscape environment, inviting to deepen one’s connection with nature and each other.
Saturday, July 6th: “No Explanation Needed”: an evening of Butoh with the artists of WADE, A feminist representation of moving bodies of all genders, who are passionate against the oppression of prescribed and limited identities, presented by the prestigious Murate Art District.
Tuition cost: 500 Euro / $540 USD
Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements and lodging in addition to tuition costs.
ABOUT DANCE HUB: ITALY:
Dance HUB: Italy is a two-week program designed to provide dancers with an unparalleled opportunity to develop their skills, artistic expression, and cultural understanding through an intensive and comprehensive curriculum. The program is located in the heart of Italy, renowned for its rich history, artistic heritage, and vibrant dance culture, creating a unique and inspiring environment for participants.
At Dance HUB: Italy, the focus goes beyond mere technical training. Emphasis is placed on nurturing the whole dancer—mind, body, and spirit. Participants are encouraged to explore the connection between movement and emotion, cultivating a deep sense of self-awareness, confidence, and creativity. The holistic approach not only enhances performance skills but also promotes overall well-being and personal growth.
Participants are exposed to Italy’s diverse traditions, art forms, and historical landmarks, deepening their understanding of dance within a broader cultural context. Engaging with local artists and dance communities enriches the experience, allowing dancers to gain a global perspective on their craft.
While the program covers various dance styles and techniques, the primary emphasis lies in preparing participants for performance experiences. Through rigorous rehearsals, masterclasses led by world-renowned instructors, and the participant-led ChoreoLab program, dancers refine their performance skills and stage presence. Throughout the intensive, participants have the chance to showcase their talents in performances and bridge connections between the local community.
All WADE programs embrace diversity, welcoming dancers from various backgrounds, styles, and cultures. The convergence of different dance traditions and perspectives fosters a dynamic and inclusive community, creating a space where dancers can learn from one another, share experiences, and grow together as artists.
One of the key strengths of WADE programming is its ability to adapt and evolve over time. Dance HUB: Italy continually refines its offerings based on participant feedback, industry trends, and the evolving landscape of dance. This commitment to staying current and relevant ensures that dancers receive the most up-to-date training and are prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing dance world.
Dance HUB: Italy stands as a transformative and unforgettable experience for dancers, offering a balanced blend of technical training, personal development, and cultural enrichment. The workshop will be taught in English.
REGISTER TODAY:
Limited space is available and spots are filling up fast! Register today! There is not application or interview process for the Butoh and Somatic Practices workshop with Vangeline and Giada Matteini; all are welcome.
Participants may register in two parts before May 1, 2024.
Part 1: A deposit payment of $81 USD can be made at any time to secure your spot in this year’s program. This fee is non-refundable and applies as a credit toward the overall tuition cost.
Part 2: The remaining balance of the tuition cost is due on or by May 1, 2024.
Vangeline
Vangeline is a teacher, dancer, and choreographer specializing in Japanese butoh. She is the artistic director of the Vangeline Theater/New York Butoh Institute (New York), a dance company firmly rooted in the tradition of Japanese butoh while carrying it into the twenty-first century. With her all-female dance company, Vangeline’s socially conscious performances tie together butoh and activism. Vangeline is the founder of the New York Butoh Institute Festival, which elevates the visibility of women in butoh, and the festival Queer Butoh. She pioneered the award-winning, 15-year running program The Dream a Dream Project, which brings butoh dance to incarcerated men and women at correctional facilities across New York State. Her choreographed work has been performed in Chile, Hong Kong, Germany, Denmark, France, the UK, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
About WADE
WADE (Wandering Avian Dance Experience) is a women-led multifaceted performing arts non-for-profit organization working at the intersection with social justice. We are focused on supporting the voices and artistic expressions of women and historically underrepresented artists. WADE offers numerous points of entry into art and activism through educational programs and curated festivals in the US and Europe.
For more information visit our ABOUT page, and check out our Facebook and Instagram.
Email us with any questions!
Photos by Michael Blase