SRU premieres “Moon Rabbit” dance piece

Du Yufang, a Japanese Butoh dance artist, is collaborating with Slippery Rock University dance students to offer “Moon Rabbit.”

Feb. 16, 2016

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - Du Yufang, a Japanese Butoh dance artist, will collaborate with Slippery Rock University dance students to offer the world premiere of "Moon Rabbit" at 9 p.m., Feb. 29, in Slippery Rock University's West Gym Auditorium.

Du Yufang, who is doing a residency at SRU this month, created "Moon Rabbit" for SRU students to present during the concert.

Butoh is a type of Japanese dance theatre that encompasses a range of movement and emotion, said Andy Hasenpflug, dance musician for SRU's dance department, who organized the show.

Butoh first appeared in Japan in 1959. Originally, the genre aimed to offer an alterative to western styles of dance, especially modern and ballet.

Yufang said her work explores a full range of the body's physical possibilities and is influenced by the principles of Chinese medicine.

She said part of her performance would encourage attendees to listen to their bodies, draw energy from within and believe in their dreams.

The concert is free and open to the public.

MEDIA CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine | 724.738.4854 | gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu