Dance: Workshop with Mary Nunan at Dance Ireland

Dance Ireland welcomes everyone to participate in a z(ero)ing workshop, led by Mary Nunan on the 7th of November.

The workshop will be a Movement Research into Improvisation into Performance.

Z(ero)ing comprises a series of tasks which provide for movement to be explored from a number of different angles. Z(ero)ing could be described as a technical practice but it is not a technique. The tasks are designed to support us to work as directly as possible with one of the raw materials of movement: space: to connect with it as a substance rather than an abstract idea.

Tuesday  7 November 2023  from 12:00 untill 17:00
Please Note: No external footwear allowed in studio. Shoe covers can be provided at reception if requested.
Venue: Dancehouse: Studio 2
Admission: €30 public | €20 DI Members
Level: Open to dancers and other artists/performers are interested in movement research.

For more information and to book tickets head here.

The workshop:

The morning session will be based on an approach to movement research and improvisation called z(ero)ing. Z(ero)ing comprises a series of tasks which provide for movement to be explored from a number of different angles. Z(ero)ing could be described as a technical practice but it is not a technique. The tasks are designed to support us to work as directly as possible with one of the raw materials of movement: space: to connect with it as a substance rather than an abstract idea.

The notion of collective finding is central to z(ero)ing. In the workshops we research the tasks together and discuss our findings. The collective is key here. Dancers are uniquely skilled in tracking the ‘palpable-before-being-visible’ impulses generated by z(ero)ing tasks and also always inspiringly clear and generous in describing their experiences. Sharing our insights, questions, observations provides for our individual and collective awareness of the substance of space to be amplified. Then each of us, as artists, can do what we will with that!

In the afternoon session you will look more closely at how z(ero)ing alters the tone and texture of movement, how this can impact on experiences of ‘presence’ for the performer and the audience. As part of this session you will also consider how z(ero)ing principles might be utilised as a compositional tool. Sensing into the possibilities that might open up when we approach composition from the perspective of ‘negative space’: the space in and between subjects.

Mary Nunan

Throughout her career Mary Nunan has created a substantial body of solo and ensemble choreographies that have been presented at national and international venues. Markers of time passing include: choreographer, performer with Dublin Contemporary Dance Theatre (1981-86), founder Artistic Director of Daghdha Dance Company (1988-1999), PhD Middlesex University awarded (2013), Course Director of the MA Contemporary Dance Performance, UL (1999-2016). From 2016 – to present: independent artist, choreographer, performer, collaborator, mentor, writer.

She is simultaneously evolving a movement awareness practice called z(ero)ing: sensing space as a surface, a ground, a dancing partner. Her practice, in all its manifestations, is driven by her deep curiosity and ongoing investigation into movement as a unique way of knowing and being-in-the world.