DANC3 Section B: The set work

The Exam Zero Degrees (2005) by Akram Khan and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui Answer one question (choice of two) You are required to critically analyse and appreciate one set work which is: Zero Degrees (2005) by Akram Khan and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui

"zero degrees is the reference point where everything begins…and everything ends“ -  Akram Khan Click here to read an introduction to Zero Degrees

You will need to demonstrate a detailed understanding of this work by looking at the following aspects: The significance of the character of the dance, its subject matter and treatment The form of the dance and its effectiveness in communicating the subject matter The constituent features of the dance including movement components, dancers, the physical and aural setting and the relevance of these features in embodying the subject matter The origins of the dance The technique and style of the choreographer, and the influences affecting the choreographer’s development The relationship between the dance and its context: its importance in the development of both the choreographer and the genre.

Historical Context Read through this section in your study guide Independent research task: Research Kathak Dance – watch footage on the internet to help identify 3 key elements (with names) Demonstrate these next week.

The Choreographers AKRAM KHAN Born in London 1974 – Bangladeshi heritage Studied Kathak from the age of 7 Studied contemporary dance at De Montfort University and Northern School of Contemporary Dance. He describes his style as a ‘confusion’ Started making solos in 1995 Founded Akram Khan Company in 2000 Started working with artists from different backgrounds through a series of duet collaborations from 2005 Awarded an MBE for services to dance in 2005 Has also choreographed a section for Kylie Minogue’s Showgirl concert (2006) and the London 2012 Olympic Opening ceremony

The Choreographers SIDI LARBI CHERKAOUI Born in Antwerp in 1976 – Moroccan-Flemish Interested in drawing as a child – wanted to ‘draw reality’ Late to dance training: jazz, hip-hop, flamenco, tap and ballet 1995: Won a choreographic competition and studied at PARTS (Performing Arts Research and Training Studios) in Brussels “Suddenly the world of contemporary dance opened up.” Joined Alain Platel’s dance collective Les Ballets C de la B Choreographed for many companies including Dutch National Ballet Associate artist for Sadler’s Wells among others Founded his own company Eastman in 2010 Their first work Babel (2010) won the 2011 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production

Dance styles Physical Theatre Kathak “Confusion” Gestural Athletic Emotional Mixed media Rhythmic Narrative Cinematic

Music and Design Music: Nitin Sawhney Sculptor: Antony Gormley Costume: Kei Ito Lighting: Mikki Kunttu Read through this section in the study guide Independent research task: Investigate the works of collaborators Nitin Sawhney (composer) & Antony Gormley (Artist)

Starting points and themes Dual identities A journey to seek a reference point Khan’s story of a train ride in India - a dead body Memories, images, meditations and speech Loss of identity, fear, compassion The limits and impositions of humanity Searching for a middle point through polar opposites: becoming/death light/dark chaos/order

Artistic Directors, Choreographers and Performers Akram Khan, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui Composer - Nitin Sawhney Lighting Designer - Mikki Kunttu Sculptor - Antony Gormley Costume Designer - Kei Ito Musicians Laura Anstee - cello Coordt Linke - percussion Faheem Mazhar - vocals Alies Sluiter – violin Producers Farooq Chaudhry (Akram Khan Company) and Lieven Thyrion (Les Ballets C. de la B.) Dramaturge - Guy Cools Production Manager - Fabiana Piccioli Sound Engineer - Nicolas Faure Stage Manager - Natan Rosseel Casts - Steve Haynes Text - Akram Khan