The 15th Annual Wreck Beach Butoh

Most people think “naked people” when they think about Wreck Beach, the nudist beach at the bottom of the hill in the westernmost part of Point Grey. But I think that’s a short-sighted view of Wreck Beach. There is so much more to Wreck than just nudity. When I was a PhD student, I used to live at St. John’s College (the international graduate student residence) and I went to Wreck Beach many times (several of them with my ex-fiance). Thanks to Crystal Kwon I learned that Kokoro Dance is producing the 15th incarnation of the Annual Wreck Beach Butoh. This dance event takes place on Saturday July 10th and Sunday July 11th.

Sadly I am going to miss it because of Mental Health Camp on Saturday and I’m leaving for Calgary on the Sunday. As indicated by their press release:

Their performance includes 10-15 fully nude dancers wearing only white makeup as they dance on the shores of Wreck Beach in a sand and water experience that is unlike anything the world. It is in many ways, a celebration of nature and their opportunity to reconnect with an important source of their creative inspiration. Its uniqueness is precisely why it has drawn international participants and audiences in addition to our local audience. Additionally, it is open to anyone that is willing to work hard in challenging performing conditions which is another reason why it is so special. They have had 70+ year old University professors, mother-daughter teams, accountants, engineers and more participate!

WHO: Kokoro Dance
WHAT: 15th Annual Wreck Beach Butoh
WHEN: Performances at 10:30 AM on Saturday, July 10, and 11:15 AM on Sunday, July 11
WHERE: Wreck Beach at the foot of #4 Trail (West of the UBC Museum of Anthropology)
HOW MUCH: Admission is by suggested donation of $5. Photography and recording of any kind is strictly prohibited.

I do hope many people are able to participate and witness this wonderful collaborative dance ensemble.

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