A History of Butô

In this book, Baird provides refreshingly frank description and analysis of their artistic and pedagogical practice centered on key themes such as gender and sexuality and the relationship between the individual and the social world. Offering what may be a concession to the interests of the average Japanese studies undergraduate, Baird also relates butô to contemporary Japanese otaku culture and the world of video games...Students and scholars of dance and dancers themselves will find this a compelling read. * Choice * Students and scholars of dance and dancers themselves will find this a compelling read.... Highly recommended. * C. Brienza, CHOICE * Baird's book is a welcome historical resource and commentary. His knowledge and first-hand research highlight the expansive nature of butô's place in the 21st century. * Bonnie Sue Stein, Wendy Perron * The book, with its deeply philosophical performance analyses based on close attention to materials in three languages (Japanese, English and French), is undoubtedly one of the most important resources on butô for English-speaking dancers and performing-arts scholars. It is also of interest for English readers in Japan, who are eager for powerful criticism and deep performance analysis of butô. * Nanako Nakajima, Theatre Research International * Drawing from literature in multiple languages, Baird's book should have a broad, international audience. * Tanya Calamoneri, Dance Chronicle *