Nancy Naous

Lebanon
After studies in classical, jazz, Dabke and contemporary dance with a different Lebanese and foreign teachers and choreographers in Beirut, Nancy chose to concentrate on contemporary dance in order to develop her work, which moves between theatre and dance. During 2001 and 2002 she worked  with a Lebanese physical theatre company, “Studio 11”, under the direction of Roueida Al Ghali Horning. The Company’s work was based on the individual research of its members where the  intention was to enhance the reputation of young post-war Lebanese artists. After completing her Masters in theatre, she headed for Paris to continue her studies. She obtained a Masters in Theatre Arts and a diploma in physical expression, at the same time following classes and workshops in contemporary dance wherever she could. She continued to travel frequently between Beirut and Paris and to meet and work with other artists: she worked with ECM/ZINC Marseille on the RAMI project (a platform for experimentation and communication around contemporary creation, digital tools and multimedia); she was co-director with Anne Le Batard (Ex-Nihilo Company) on two ateliers of dance/multimedia in Egypt and Lebanon; she collaborated with the Collectif Shams in Lebanon, to enable French (and foreign) choreographers and dancers to give workshops in contemporary dance in Beirut. Then Nancy set up her own contemporary dance company 4120.CORPS (4120 is the number of kilometres between Beirut and Paris). Through her creations, Nancy continues to explore the resonances of “violence” (in all senses, social, political and religious) in our bodies. The work of 4120.corps weaves together theatre and contemporary dance. It explores traditional dances and gestures. The company has five original works in its repertoire: « Fa'addebhou li » (Train him up for me) a performance that explores the construction of the masculinity in the Arab societies. These shoes are made for walking, choreographic essays on current events in the Arab world. The third circle and The third circle variations, (Three performers and a musician): performance and installation which explore the place of masculine and feminine forms of dance under Islamic law. Instant de chutes (six performers): A performance that shows the body in a state of crisis and urgency.