Butoh Dictionary

A key butoh concept inspired by Tatsumi Hijikata's writing Ailing Dancer in which resonance with the subconscious or dream world masks literal meaning, allowing movement and expression to emerge beyond straightforward interpretation. In other words, the body is abstracted.

Another term used is the clouded body.

A Shadowbody term which is a portmanteau play on the words obscure and secure.

We must become secure in the obscure, or resonate with mystery.

To Yukio Waguri, this is having “optimistic irresponsibility” for exploration.