1. DANC3
Section B: The set work

2. 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

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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. 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)

10. 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

11. 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