In this captivating interview, I had the pleasure of sitting with the incredibly talented Mariko Endo, a renowned dancer and choreographer.
Mariko takes us back to the early days of her career, sharing how she embarked on her path as a dancer despite starting later than most. She reveals her teenage years spent acting in local theaters in Japan and her fascination with human psychology, which eventually led her to a life-changing encounter with Butoh.
Butoh, a dance form founded by three Masters in Japan, captured Mariko's heart and became her artistic calling. She explains the avant-garde nature of Butoh and its deep connection to the aftermath of World War II. Mariko's teacher, Akira Kasai, played a pivotal role in her journey, introducing her to the expressive and transformative power of Butoh.
As we dive deeper into Butoh, Mariko vividly depicts the dance form's essence. She eloquently describes how Butoh is not about performing one's personal drama or grief but instead becoming an empty vessel, allowing emotions to move through the body. Mariko shares her profound understanding of the interplay between consciousness and movement, emphasizing the importance of stillness and the ability to connect with the space around us.
In addition to her mastery of Butoh, Mariko has collaborated with international composers and visual artists to create mesmerizing multimedia performances. She shares her approach to collaboration, highlighting the fusion of theater, modern dance, and music in her choreography. Mariko's dedication to distilling the essence of a piece and eliminating excess elements shines through in her work, creating a powerful connection with audiences.
Throughout the interview, Mariko's passion for dance and her desire to create sacred spaces through her performances are palpable. She believes in the transformative power of dance, inviting audiences to imagine, remember, and find renewal within themselves. Mariko's ultimate goal is to share joy and evoke a sense of wonder through her art.
Join us on this enlightening journey as we explore the world of dance through the eyes of Mariko Endo. Prepare to be inspired and captivated by her profound insights and artistic vision.
New Production: Passionate Geometries conceived by Richard Cameron-Wolf. At Symphony Space / Thalia on Saturday, April 20th.
Music composer: Richard Cameron-Wolf
Find Mariko Online:
Website: https://www.marikoendo.com
Find Us Online:
Websites: https://www.universaldancer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/universaldancercommunity
Instagram: @the.universaldancer
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheUniversaldancer
Books:
"The Alchemy of Dance: Sacred Dance as a Path to the Universal Dancer" by Leslie Zehr: https://books2read.com/u/bPNVvY
"The Al-chemia Remedies: Vibrational Essences from Egyptian Flowers and Sacred Sites" by Leslie Zehr: https://books2read.com/u/38V2zr
🎶 Music by Konrad OldMoney
Thanks for listening!
Leslie
🌀TheUniversaldancer
Mariko Endo Choreographer, Japanese Butoh, and Modern Dancer