The Ume Group is a US-based dance / physical theatre ensemble dedicated to sharing traditions and developing new work. We believe that a good performance artist is constantly learning, creating, teaching, and performing. We are hailed by critics for our “commanding, physically impressive performances” (The Village Voice) and “risky physical vulnerability” (nytheatre.com).
The Ume Group has worked in physical disciplines ranging from butoh dance, gymnastics, yoga, and martial arts to ceili dance, clowning, and commedia del arte. Our productions have ranged from feature-length duets for dance (like Facet) to large-cast martial arts epics (like Butoh Electra). In 2014 & 2016, we explored the depths of the subconscious mind in our ensemble devised play, Dream Dances.
The Ume Group was founded in 2011 by Syracuse University graduates Jordan Rosin & Christian Leadley along with their producing partner, Chloe Fox as a vehicle to develop their flagship martial arts / butoh dance epic BUTOH ELECTRA.
The Ume Group was the company-in-residence at Grace & St. Paul’s Church on Manhattan’s fashionable Upper West Side from 2011 – 2017. There they developed their work, host classes, and present works-in-progress. Their work has been seen at theaters & festivals in New York City and across the United States including the New York Fringe Festival, Hollywood Fringe Festival, the Irondale Center, the Wave Rising Series, CoolNY Dance Festival, the Kraine Theatre, and many more!