Butoh Curious Chi started as a spark of an idea, a passionate attempt to make something more collectively honoring, with specific regard and respect for the tradition of Butoh. This persistence to raise awareness of the art and philosophy of Butoh created a space for Butoh Chicago to begin a works-in-progress arts organization. We attempt to renegotiate terms of exchange not based on hierarchies or normative behavior, but with tenable respect for a culture of inclusivity, of all nations, creeds, and gender. We accept our flawed attempt as honorable.
We are human, and we are forever curious and grateful to our (in)humanity. We bring a sense of collective positive behavior to all we do.
“We built this city on rock and roll” Starship / Jefferson Airplane
One by one, we have made a triptych and beyond of “post-butoh” festivals over 9 years, Spawned Seeds April 2014, SS2 in April 2015, and SS3: Battles in April 2017 and many happenings in between and since, including Hot Mess! series 2021-2023 always inclusive of Butoh artists from all over the globe.
These gatherings continue to gather energy and momentum, and we are learning to deepen our roots even as new leaves emerge.
Through weekly classes and ongoing opportunities for training, performance, and collaborations, we open our arms to the community to outsider artists and immigrant peoples, for we are outsiders ourselves. We are most often misunderstood and caught up in the unwinding. We are in fact, improvising as we go, and realize ourselves to be capable of change at any moment, using our intuition, our sensations, our creative passion. We listen to people less fortunate than ourselves, to guide our meaning and mission.
We thank many for support and donations and sponsorship and simply all the help and cheering. We are encouraged to continue and grow, to inspire that growth in our communities here and now.
We Are Change Agents. We stand with #LBTGQ #BlackLivesMatter #QueerPositive #HIVPositive #equalityforall #freethenipple #blackpower #peta #terrorismisnotareligion #pride #lgbtpride #smile #entrepreneur #silencekills #endthehate #metoo #shatterthestigma #love #genderequality #raceequality #integration #humanrace #breakthesilence #artforacause #dontjudge #youdoyou #prohuman #interraciallove #powertothepeople #revolutionaries #civilrights #intersectional #spreadlove #lovewins #HonorNativeLand
Some selected resources for dismantling racism:
FANTASY WORLD MASTER LIST OF RESOURCES ON HOW TO DISMANTLE SYSTEMIC RACISM
SAIC’s TOOLKIT for MOVEMENT BUILDING
Anti-racism Resource Guide by Tasha K
We are allowing ourselves to be flexible, and maintain any of these archive to the best of our abilities. We are stewards of art and humanity; social health and change; we are foraging artists, human, and next iteration.
As a step toward honoring the truth and achieving healing and reconciliation, Butoh Chicago commits to open all public events and gatherings with a statement acknowledging the traditional Native lands on which we stand. Such statements become truly meaningful when coupled with authentic relationships and sustained commitment. We therefore commit to move beyond words into programs and actions that fully embody a commitment to Indigenous rights and cultural equity.
Every community owes its existence and vitality to generations from around the world who contributed their hopes, dreams, and energy to making the history that led to this moment. Some were brought here against their will, some were drawn to leave their distant homes in hope of a better life, and some have lived on this land for more generations than can be counted. Truth and acknowledgment are critical to building mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage and difference. We begin this effort to acknowledge what has been buried by honoring the truth.
We stand and live on the ancestral lands of the Myaamia Očhéthi Šakówiŋ Bodwéwadmi (Potawatomi) Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo) Hoocąk (Ho-Chunk) Peoria People. This land was stolen from them and they were treated with hostility and disrespect. We pay respects to their elders past and present. Please take a moment to consider the many legacies of violence, displacement, migration, and settlement that bring us together here today. And please join us in uncovering such truths at any and all public events.
Butoh Curious Chi 